Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Ever since I discovered winter squashes I have wanted to try a butternut squash soup recipe. I have some across tons of variations that sounded tempting, but all seemed more involved than I was really looking for. While I was home over the weekend my Mom was getting ready to discard a jumbo Fuji apple that she nor my Father had any plans of eating. Not being one to allow food to be wasted, I grabbed it right up. Later on that day I stumbled across this recipe on Everday Paleo; perfect timing! I had just picked up a package of pre-cut butternut squash from Wegmans and I always have onion, broth, and coconut milk on hand.

I ever-so-slightly altered the recipe as follows. I split it into four servings which held well in the fridge for several days. I simply added different proteins to make it the perfect lunch for cold winter days! The proteins I tried were shrimp, seafood sausage, and venison. I think pork would have worked well, also.

Feel free to experiment with different spices you like or have on hand. You can do as I did and add proteins for a nice lunch soup, or eat it as a nice appetizer before a protein rich dinner.


Butternut Squash and Apple Soup


The Food
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
1 large Fuji apple or 2 smaller Fuji apples, cored and chopped into 1 inch chunks
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
Water
1 cup coconut milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice

The Prep
Shake your coconut milk before opening, or open and dump into a bowl and mix really well. It separates in the can and takes forever to re-mix.

The Method
Put onion, butternut squash, and apple in a large pot
Add chicken broth
Add water (if needed) until it comes just up to level of the fruits
**If you like the soup thinner, add water to completely cover
Bring to boil for at least 25 minutes, or until everything is nice and soft
Blend in blender or food processor until smooth
Return to pot
Add coconut milk, cinnamon, and allspice
Simmer about 10 minutes, stirring often to make sure everything is incorporated

Enjoy :)

Protein Idea! This was my dinner; fabulous and nutritious :)