Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 medium sweet onion, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons medium-hot Madras curry powder
  • 7 pounds winter squash, such as butternut, buttercup or kabocha-peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 16 cups)
  • About 8 cups Rich Turkey Stock
  • 3/4 pound sharp white Cheddar cheese, cut into twenty-four 1 1/2-inch squares 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced blanched almonds
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

  • In a large stockpot, melt the butter in the vegetable oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook over high heat, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the curry and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the squash and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add 6 cups of the stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, arrange 4 of the Cheddar squares in a large nonstick skillet and cook undisturbed over moderate heat until bubbling, about 1 1/2 minutes. Sprinkle each square with a small pinch of the cumin seeds and 3 or 4 almond slices; cook until the edges are golden and the cheese is set, about 1 1/2 minutes longer. Using a thin spatula, flip the cheese crisps and cook until the almonds are lightly browned, about 20 seconds longer. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and let cool until crisp. Wipe out the skillet and repeat with the remaining Cheddar, cumin seeds and almonds.
  • Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the pot and gradually stir in about 2 cups of stock, until the soup has a silky, bisquelike consistency. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm over low heat.
  • Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and pass the Cheddar crisps alongside for dipping or crumbling.
  • Make Ahead: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The Cheddar crisps can be stored overnight in an airtight container. Recrisp on a baking sheet in a 350° oven and let cool.