Curried Calabaza Soup

By Nickel

Ingredients

• 4 pounds peeled calabaza or acorn squash, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup bacon drippings (about 5 slices bacon) or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt
• White pepper
• Garnish: toasted almonds and sunflower sprouts

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

Combine first 4 ingredients on a foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until squash is tender. Set aside.
Sauté next 3 ingredients in bacon drippings in a large skillet until tender. Stir in curry powder; toast 30 seconds. Add calabaza, curry paste, thyme, and bay leaf; stir to combine. Add stock and cream; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
Puree mixture in a blender, pour through a wire-mesh strainer, and press with the back of a spoon. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Garnish, if desired.