Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash

• 1 medium onion

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 large or 2 medium apples

• 3 carrots

• 2 ribs celery

• 5-6 fresh sage leaves

• 1 head of garlic

• 3-4 tsp. minced ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• salt and pepper

• olive oil

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1-1/2 cups heavy cream OR 1 can of coconut milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Cut squash in half (be careful!) and scoop out seeds. Peel and cube squash. (You can also buy pre-cut squash at the market like Trader Joe's.) Cut apples and veggies into chunks. For garlic, remove the outer loose, papery skin and cut the top off, exposing the cloves.

3. Add everything (except garlic) to a large baking sheet and sprinkle with spices, salt and pepper. Leave sage leaves whole. Drizzle with olive oil and mix around. Put garlic head in the middle and drizzle exposed cloves with oil.

4. Roast for 45 minutes or so, until the mixture is softened and there is a little bit of char. Stir halfway through.

5. Add veggie mixture to a large pot with the broth. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves in.

6. Heat to simmering. 

7. Turn off heat and use an immersion blender and puree until smooth. You can also use a regular blender in batches.

8. Add cream or coconut milk. Heat soup again if necessary.

Garnish soup with things like:

• Crispy Sage Leaves: Fry fresh sage leaves in a little oil until crispy for an aromatic and crunchy topping.

• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Adds a nutty crunch.

• Crumbled Gorgonzola or Feta: A bit of tangy cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet squash flavor.

• Swirl of Coconut Milk or Cream: For a beautiful and creamy presentation.

• Pomegranate Seeds or thin Apple Slices: Adds a burst of color and tartness.

• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought for a crunchy texture.

• Chili Oil or Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat if you enjoy spice.

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Besides sage, you can add parsley or chives for freshness.

• Crumbled Crispy Bacon: Because bacon!