Simple Butternut Squash Soup

There is something so satisfying about a pot of homemade soup. Sure you can buy a box or can of soup at nearly every grocery store these days, but somehow the taste is just not the same. Not to mention that as with any packaged or pre-prepared foods, you really have no idea what "extra" ingredients or weird preservatives might have been added. If it's easy to do, why not just make your own?

While I am still a huge fan of this chicken gnocchi soup and this carrot soup, I recently added this simple butternut squash number to my repertoire. It is just so autumn-appropriate! There are basically only three ingredients: squash, onion, and vegetable stock. I like to save myself time and energy by buying the big pre-cut container of squash at Costco. I also like to spice it up by adding red pepper flakes before blending!

Ingredients:
2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and chopped (find at Trader's or Costco)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
Nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Cut squash into 1-inch chunks, if you did not buy it pre-cut. 

2. In large pot, melt the butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. 

3. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. 4. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree (you may need to do this in batches, and make sure you leave the top of the blender cap open so steam can escape). 

5. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.

 Mmm...tastes like fall!