Ginger Squash Soup

Soups & Stews, Vegetarian

Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 2¾ pounds orange-flesh winter squash, such as butternut
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium leek, trimmed, white and green parts, cut into ¼-inch pieces (1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger, or more to taste
  • 1 medium parsnip, peeled and cut into ¼-inch pieces
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • Two ¾-inch slices whole-wheat bread, crusts removed
  • 1 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and fiber, and peel. Cut into ½-inch pieces, and set aside.
  2. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to pan; stir in mustard seeds. Cook until seeds begin to pop, about 30 seconds. Add leeks, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Cook leek and garlic until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add ginger, squash, and parsnips. Stir, and cook over medium heat, 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and stock. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until the squash and parsnips are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer half the mixture to a blender and purée. Return to the stockpot until warm throughout. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Meanwhile, cut the bread into ½-inch cubes. Toast under the broiler until golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and return to the broiler, until the cheese begins to melt. Serve the soup in individual bowls with the toasted-cheese croutons on top.

Adapted from The Silver Palate Cookbook. Photo by She Paused 4 Thought via Flickr used with CC Attribution, Non Commercial, No Derivatives license