Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 c. thinly sliced leek (about 1 large)
  • 1 Tbsp. curry powder
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 6 c. butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 3 c. water
  • 3 c. apple juice
  • 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 6 c. Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 c. whipping cream or half and half
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2/3 c. fresh cilantro or parsley

Method

  • Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add leek, curry powder, sugar, cumin, red pepper and garlic.
  • Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add squash, water, apples and apple juice.
  • Bring to the boil.
  • Cover; reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes or until squash is tender.
  • Place half of soup in a blender and process until smooth.
  • Pour pureed soup into a large bowl.
  • Repeat procedure with remaining soup.
  • Return soup to pan. Stir in cream and salt.
  • Cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Garnish each serving with about 1 tablespoon of cilantro or parsley.
  • Yield: 10 one-cup servings.