Velvety BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

+SF +GF +QP

When soup can be made in a blender, it doesn’t get much better than that. Top it off with pomegranate seeds for a surprising pop of sweetness, adding to the richness of this butternut squash soup. —MR

SERVES 2

1 tbsp (14 g) coconut oil

½ yellow onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

½ apple, peeled and cubed

7 oz (198 g) butternut squash, cooked and without skin (or any winter squash)

1½ cups (355 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth

1 (14-oz [414-ml]) can full-fat coconut milk

1 tsp maple syrup

½–1 tsp sea salt, to taste

TOPPINGS

Pomegranate seeds

Sliced almonds

Cilantro

In a large sauté pan, warm the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and apple; sauté until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes. Add a splash of water if the pan ever dries out.

There are a few ways to do the next part of blending the ingredients into a puréed soup. You can either use a very powerful high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix, or use an immersion blender.

When using the high-speed blender method, simply add the sautéed mixture and the remaining ingredients to the blender. Blend until the broth turns creamy and warm. This should take at least 5 minutes on the high-speed or soup setting.

If you’re using an immersion blender, transfer your sautéed veggies to a large pot, and then add the remaining ingredients. Heat the pot until the soup is warm. Then blend the soup into a purée with the immersion blender.

Serve the soup in bowls, and top with the suggested toppings!