By Kendra Nordin, Kitchen Report
From “Eating Local” by Janet Fletcher
Serves 6 to 8
1 butternut squash
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder or other chile powder
5 cups chicken broth (if canned, use equal parts broth and water, plus more if needed)
Kosher or sea salt
2 teaspoons finely minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, or more to taste
Freshly grated Cotija cheese, for garnish
Hulled, roasted, and salted pumpkin seeds to garnish
Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. With a cleaver or heavy chef’s knife, cut off the stem end of the squash, then cut the squash into 8 roughly equal pieces. Discard the stringy matter and seeds in the seed cavity. Using 1 tablespoon of the oil, grease a baking dish just large enough to the squash in a single layer. Put the squash in the baking dish, cut side down. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until tender when pierced, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool completely, then scrape the flesh away from then skin with a spoon.
2. Heat the remains 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over moderately low heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and chile powder and sauté for 1 minute to release the garlic fragrance.
3. Add the squash flesh and the broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Let the soup cool slightly, then puree in a blender or food processor, in batches if necessary, or use an immersion blender. Return to a clean pot, if removed to blend. If the soup is too thick for your taste, thin with additional broth. Season with salt and chile.
5. Reheat the soup to serve. Divide among warmed soup bowls, and garnish each portion with the cheese, pumpkin seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
