Roasted Squash & Apple Soup

By ngaldi

Description
I think this rich soup is a showstopper. See if conversation doesn't come to a halt when people taste it at your table. Roasting brings out a striking depth of flavor in the squash, and the combination with apples and onions is irresistible. The Cilantro Walnut Pesto puts it over the top. I dream about this soup. And you will be delighted to find how easy it is to make.

Food as Medicine:
You get all sorts of goodies here: antioxidant carotenes from the squash, omega-3 fatty acids from the walnuts, and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 large winter squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), such as butternut, buttercup, or kabocha, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces.
• 2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tart, firm apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and red chili powder to taste
• 4-5 cups vegetable stock

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large roasting pan, toss the squash, onions, garlic, and apples with the oil to coat. Season well with the salt and chili powder. Roast, stirring every 10 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender and lightly browned, about 40 minutes.
Put half the vegetables with 2 cups of the stock in a food processor and purée until smooth. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and broth. Return puréed mixture to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add more broth.
Correct the seasoning and heat to a simmer.
Serve in warm bowls with dollops of Cilantro Walnut Pesto.