Have you ever served soup as an appetizer? As we learned in Spain, It’s the perfect little morsel to satisfy your hunger, but not get you or your guests too full. My favorite fall soup is butternut squash. Sautéed onions, squash, apple and sage are puréed into a creamy consistency...but there’s not a drop of cream in it! Top with spicy pepitas to add just a little extra pop of flavor and crunch and be sure to make and extra batch of them, as they are an excellent snack on their own!
2½lbsButternut Squashpeeled, seeded, and cut into ½ inch dice (6 cups)
1Applepeeled, cored, and cut into ½ inch dice (about 1 cup)
1½TFresh Sagechopped
4-5cupsChicken Stock
Salt & Pepperto taste
2cupsRaw Pepitas
1½tspCumin Seeds toasted* or 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin
1tspSalt
1tspAncho Chili Powder
1tspBlack Pepper
2TLime Juice
Instructions
In a large soup pot, over medium heat, add the olive oil; once warm, add the onions and sauté 3-4 minutes until slightly soft. Add the squash and apples and toss with the onions; cook for 4-6 minutes.
Add 4 cups of stock and the sage. Cook until the squash are very soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool somewhat.
Puree with an immersion blender or blender until soup is smooth and creamy. If the soup is to think add the remaining cup of stock, season with salt and pepper.
PEPITAS: In a medium bowl combine the ground cumin, salt, chili powder, and black pepper; toss until combined.
Add the pepitas and lime juice and toss until well coated. Place on a baking sheet in a 350º F oven and toasted for 5-7 minutes or until slightly brown. Let cool.
Serve the soup in bowls or cups and garnish with pepitas.
*Toasting Seeds
Place the seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan continuously until the seeds become fragrant.
Remove toasted seeds from the pan and place in a spice grinder; grind to a fine powder.
Notes
TIPS & TRICKS- The smaller the cubes of squash, the quicker it will cook.- The soup can be made 2 days in advance.- Pepitas can be made days in advance. Store in an airtight container. They make a great snack on their own.- You can serve the sin little Turkish or espresso cups. Or, there are fun paper disposable cups available at party supply stores.