Butternut Squash Leek And Potato Soup Recipes

LEEK AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• If you're using the pristine-looking leeks from the supermarket, don't be deceived: minute particles of sandy grit can lurk beneath the tightly clustered layers - so begin by trimming off the roots plus most of the very green part and the tough outer layers. Then using a small sharp knife, slit the lengthways to about halfway down, then fan the layers out under a cold running tap to wash them. Then finish slicing them lengthways and slice them across into approx. 1 inch (2.5cm) slices. Next chop the onion (same-size slices) followed by the squash into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes. Now melt the butter in a large saucepan, add all the vegetables, stir them well and add some salt. Pop a lid on and, keeping the heat low, allow the vegetables to sweat and release some of their juices for 20 minutes. You can watch how to chop onions in the Cookery School Video on this page. After that add the stock and the milk and a little freshly milled pepper, then return the lid and, still keeping the heat low let the soup simmer very gently for another 20 minutes. When the time's up, pour the whole lot into a liquidiser and whiz to a smooth puree (you may have to do this in two batches so have a bowl to hand). Then return it to the pan, add the chives and re-heat gently without letting it boil - no more than a simmer. Serve the soup in warmed bowls with some good bread, also served warm.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, leeks, and onions. Cook and stir until softened and no longer crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add squash; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently fry bread until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add bread to the stockpot; stir in allspice and ginger. Cook, covered, until squash has softened, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add apple and brown sugar. Fry until apples are well browned and start to form a crispy crust, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Puree the contents of the stockpot using an immersion blender until smooth and free of chunks. Garnish soup with the caramelized apples.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, POTATO AND GINGER SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, ginger, nutmeg, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
• Add the butternut squash and simmer until the potatoes and squash are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill blender more than halfway full).
• Stir in the cream and reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency with water and seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
• Serve hot drizzled with more cream if using and a sprinkled with pepitas and thyme.