At the first nip in the air, I start looking for fresh butternut squash at farmers' markets, just so I can make this soup. Considered a Thanksgiving classic, this versatile and universally loved soup is simply too tasty to enjoy only once a year. Now that peeled and precut butternut squash is available in grocery stores year-round, you can make this easy three-step—roast, blend, and simmer—soup anytime you like. Like apple or pear butter, pumpkin butter is gently cooked with some sugar until it's smooth and has a buttery texture. Look for pumpkin butter near the jams and jellies in your grocery store.
Roll diced squash in a bit of canola oil and ground cinnamon. Spread on a sheet pan, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Add these sweet bits of squash when pureeing the soup.
Substitute crème fraîche or sour cream for the pumpkin butter.
Serve the soup chilled or warm in shot glasses as a party starter.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 °F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with the vegetable oil spray.
Step 2
Place the squash halves, cut side down, in the prepared dish. Pierce the skin sides several times with a fork. Bake until the squash is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Step 3
Using a large spoon, scrape the flesh from the cooked squash into a food processor. Discard the skins. Add 1 1/2 cups of the chicken broth, the cinnamon, marjoram, thyme, and nutmeg and puree until smooth. Transfer the puree to a large saucepan. Whisk the milk into the soup over medium heat. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add the remaining broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Top with a dollop of pumpkin butter and sprinkle with chopped pistachio nuts before serving.
