Butternut Squash Soup

By J. Gagliardi

Ingredients

• 4 poundswholebutternut squash(about 2 medium), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoonsunsaltedbutter(1/4 stick)
• 1 mediumGranny Smith apple(about 8 ounces)
• 1/2 mediumyellow onion
• 8 freshsageleaves
• 2 1/2 cupslow-sodium vegetable orchicken broth
• 2 1/2 cupswater
• 1 1/2 teaspoonskosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoonfreshly groundblack pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/3 cupheavy cream
• 1/2 cuptoastedpumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 425∞F and arrange a rack in the middle.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the squash pieces cut-side up on the baking sheet. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and brush all of it over the tops and insides of the squash halves (alternatively, you can rub it on evenly with your fingers). Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast until knife tender, about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Meanwhile, peel, core, and cut the apple into medium dice. Cut the onion into medium dice. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the apple, onion, and sage, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
When the squash is ready, set the baking sheet on a wire rack until the squash is cool enough to handle. Using a large spoon, scoop the flesh into the saucepan with the sautÈed apples and onions; discard the skins.
Add the broth, water, and measured salt and pepper, stir to combine, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large pieces of squash, until the flavors meld, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream.
Using a blender, purÈe the soup in batches until smooth, removing the small cap from the blender lid (the pour lid) and covering the space with a kitchen towel (this allows steam to escape and prevents the lid from popping off). Alternatively, use an immersion blender. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with the pumpkin seeds, if using.