Maple Squash Soup

Name: Maple Squash Soup
Ingredients: 4 medium butternut squash (about 2-1/4 pounds each); 4 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup butter, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 cups chopped onions; 1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped; 1 celery rib, chopped; 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup maple syrup; Additional maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

11 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

4 medium butternut squash (about 2-1/4 pounds each)
4 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chopped onions
1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup maple syrup
Additional maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1

Pierce neck end of squash in several places with a sharp knife. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4-5 minutes. Cut squash between neck and bulb. Peel neck and cut into cubes; set aside.
2

Remove and discard seeds and membrane from bulb, leaving about a 1/2-in. shell; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a foil-lined 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; top with 4 teaspoons butter. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until butter is melted and squash is heated through.
3

In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the onions, leek and celery in remaining butter until tender. Add squash cubes, broth and syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until squash is tender.
4

In a blender, puree soup in small batches until smooth. Return to the pan. Drizzle additional syrup into squash bowls. Fill with soup; drizzle with additional syrup if desired. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Freeze remaining soup.