Enjoying the Harvest: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

As the brisk winds of fall start to chill the air and the early winter whispers approach, there's no better time to enjoy the fruits of our labor from the homestead garden—particularly, the rich, sweet butternut squash. Cultivated with patience and care, these squash exemplify the reward of the growing season, bringing warmth and comfort to our kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), grown on our homestead

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

  
  
  
  

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: heavy cream for drizzling

• Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the flesh with olive oil and place it face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for about 50 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

2. Cook the Aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Blend the Soup: Once the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot to reheat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve with a Touch of Elegance: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a touch of heavy cream if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs. This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Celebrating the Harvest:

This butternut squash soup is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of seasonal change and the culmination of months of tending to our garden. Each spoonful carries the essence of autumn, the dedication to sustainable living, and the joys of homestead life. As you savor this soup, let it remind you of the connection between the earth and our table—a truly homegrown feast.

This recipe not only offers a comforting meal but also invites us to appreciate the slower pace of the seasons, encouraging us to reflect on the cycle of growth and renewal that our gardening efforts bring to our lives.