Pumpkin, Corn, and Lemongrass Soup

By MooK

Soup can be made 2 days ahead and chilled, uncovered, until cool, then covered. Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh lemongrass stalk, root end trimmed and 1 or 2 outer layers discarded
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 3/4 pounds kabocha or butternut squash
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (10 ounces; from 2 to 3 ears)
• 5 cups water
• Garnish: cilantro leaves

Preparation

Step 1

Cut off and discard top of lemongrass, leaving a 6-inch stalk, then smash stalk with side of a large heavy knife.

Cook lemongrass, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt in butter and oil in a heavy medium pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 10 minutes. Add squash, corn, water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard lemongrass.

Purée soup in 3 or 4 batches in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), straining each batch as blended through a fine-mesh sieve into a large heatproof bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids. Season with salt and pepper and reheat if necessary.