ACORN SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP
Serves: 6
1 large acorn squash (about 2 lb/900 g), halved lengthwise and seeded
3 tbsp (45 mL) salted butter, divided
4 cups (1 L) diced peeled apples
2 cups (500 mL) chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) chopped celery
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 6 cups (1.5 L) no-salt-added vegetable broth
2 tsp (10 mL) ground ginger
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) nutmeg
1 cup (250 mL) apple juice
2 tbsp (30 mL) liquid honey
2 1/2 tsp (12.5 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) light cream (10%) Plain yogurt
Sliced green onion
1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). 2. Place squash halves, cut side down, in a parchment paperlined rimmed baking sheet.
3. Bake until squash is tender, about 40-45 minutes.
4. When cool enough to handle, scoop squash from shell halves; discard shell halves. There should be about 4 cups (1 L) squash; set aside.
5. Melt 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add apples and sauté until tender and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
6. Transfer apples to a plate; set aside.
7. Melt remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter in same Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, celery and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
8. Add squash, broth, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
10. Return apples to Dutch oven; stir to combine. Stir in apple juice, honey and salt; cook, stirring, until heated through. Stir in cream. Remove from heat.
11. Using a hand blender, purée mixture until smooth.
12. Serve topped with yogurt and green onion.