Ingredients
1large butternut squash(about 3 lbs) halved vertically and seeds removed
1tbspolive oilplus more for drizzling
½cupshallotchopped
1tspsalt
4garlic clovespressed or minced
1tspmaple syrup
⅛tspnutmegground
black pepperfreshly ground, to taste
3cupsvegetable brothadjust if needed
2tbspbutterto taste
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside. Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Turn the squash face down and roast for about 40 to 50 minutes until it is tender and completely cooked through. Set the squash aside and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped shallot and salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the shallot has softened and is starting to turn golden on the edges.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minuteuntil fragrant, stirring frequently. Transfer the contents to your stand blender.
Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the tough skin.
Add the maple syrup, nutmeg and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to the blender. Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, being careful not to fill the container past the maximum fill line. Work in batches if necessary, and stir in any remaining broth later.
Securely fasten the lid. Blend on high or select the soup preset if available, being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid. Stop once your soup is ultra creamy and warmed through.
If you would like to thin out your soup a bit more, stir in the remaining cup of broth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, to taste, and blend well. Taste and stir in more salt and pepper, if necessary.
If your soup is piping hot from the blending process, you can pour it into serving bowls. If not, pour it back into your soup pot and warm the soup over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s nice and steamy.
