Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

By: Chef Brian Dandro
Kiian Oksana/Shutterstock

Cold weather has officially set in and darker days are on the horizon, but chef Brian Dandro’s Butternut Squash and Apple Soup will keep you warm and happy. It’s perfect to prep on Sunday while watching football or bingeing Netflix — you’ll have leftovers for the rest of the week. Dandro suggests topping your bowl with buttered bread crumbs, chives or parmesan to really round out the flavors. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for a comforting, carb-y vehicle to get the good stuff to your mouth when your spoon won’t cut it.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole butternut squash, medium size
  • 1/4 pound unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 medium sized yellow onion
  • 1 apple preferably Macintosh, Granny Smith or Gala
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Split squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Melt 1/2 of the butter and use it to rub down the inside of the squash, then season with salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place squash skin side up on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and roast in oven for about 45 minutes. When squash is finished roasting, set aside to cool enough to be able to handle. Scoop out the meat from the skin or simply try to peel the skin off the meat. Discard skin and reserve squash.
  3. Melt remaining butter in a small stock pot. Peel the onion and cut in 1/2 then slice into 1/4 slices. Peel, core and medium dice the apple and add both to the stock pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper, cook over medium heat until soft, then add the squash.
  4. Next add stock, water and cider. Bring to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Simmer for about 20 minutes, then puree the soup, an immersion blender is recommended. If using a standard blender, do in small batches filling the blender no more than 1/2 way, ensure the blender top cap is removed and the area is covered with a towel to allow steam to escape.

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