Butternut Squash Soup with Caramelized Onions

This recipe is slightly similar to my Butternut Squash and Leek Soup that I made last November, but I mixed it up by using a red onion and tarragon and sage. Those herbs were chosen by smell frankly because I discovered I was out of thyme and wanted something woodsy, but not as harsh as rosemary. I really liked the combination. You could omit the milk, if desired, or up the creaminess by using a higher fat milk product.





Printable version

Ingredients
1.5-2 lbs butternut squash
2 large onions (I used one red and one sweet), sliced (about 3 cups)
48 oz chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c milk of choice (I used 2%)
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried tarragon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut in half and de-seed butternut squash. Salt and pepper insides. Roast face-down on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray until tender, about 45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, saute onions, tarragon, and sage in olive oil slowly over medium-low heat until nearly caramelized. This step is up to you as the more-caramelized, the sweeter the result. I took my onions about 80% of the way towards caramelization so they were not completely mushy.

3. Add garlic and butternut squash. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes.

5. With an immersion blender, puree the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

6. Stir in milk and adjust seasonings to taste.

Serves 6 (roughly 1.5 cup portions)