Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at www.tasteofhome.com

Roasting creates a rich, caramelized flavor, but you can cook the squash cubes directly in the broth if you’re short on time.  They should pierce easily with a fork when they’re done.

          Jen Lehner                                                                           Seattle, Washington

Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons Recipe

Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons

1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes

2 Tbsp. California Olive Ranch Olive Oil, divided

¼ tsp. pepper

1 large onion, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

2 Tbsp. minced fresh sage or 2 tsp. rubbed sage

3 cans (14 ½ oz. each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

Croutons:   2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. California Olive Ranch Olive Oil

1 Tbsp. minced fresh sage or 1 tsp. rubbed sage

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups cubed French bread (1/2 inch cubes)

Cooking spray

Additional grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Place squash in a 15×10 inch baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray.  Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with pepper.  Toss to coat.  Bake, uncovered, at 425 F. for 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring every 15 minutes.  Set aside.

In a Dutch oven, sauté the onion, celery and sage in remaining oil until tender.  Stir in broth and squash.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.  Cool slightly.

In a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth.  Return to the pan; heat through.

For croutons, in a small bowl, combine the cheese, oil, sage and garlic.  Add bread cubes and spritz with cooking spray; toss to coat.  Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 425 F. for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle each serving of soup of soup with croutons and additional cheese if desired.           8 servings (2 quarts)

 

(Recipe for Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2013)