Description
A creamy and flavorful butternut squash soup, perfect for a cozy meal, featuring ham and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 4 cups chicken bone broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5 fresh sage leaves
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cubed
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and halved
- 1 small sweet onion, large chop
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 oz creme fraiche
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Roast Butternut Squash: Start by tossing your butternut squash pieces with olive oil until they are lightly coated. Roast in a preheated oven until they are glistening and smell sweet and rich. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for even roasting.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large stock pot, heat some olive oil and sauté the chopped sweet onion, garlic, and diced ham until fragrant and the onions turn soft and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Squash and Stock: After the aromatics are fragrant, add the roasted squash along with the chicken bone broth or vegetable broth, water, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and all spices. Stir gently and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Blend Until Creamy: Let the soup simmer for several minutes, then blend the mixture until smooth and creamy using an immersion blender or food processor. If the soup is too thick, add more broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and maple syrup as needed. Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Cool soup completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: If the soup is too salty, balance it with a splash of water or cream. For extra smoothness, blend longer or strain through a sieve. Ensure the oven is preheated when roasting; avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for proper caramelization. If the soup is too thick after freezing, add broth or cream while reheating to restore texture.
- Reheating Instructions: Heat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or cream as needed.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and pair with a fresh green salad. Top with additional crispy ham for a gourmet touch.
- Recipe Variations: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ingredient Notes: Select firm, fresh butternut squash for best results. For a sweeter taste, incorporate roasted apples in the blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg