Butternut Squash Soup seems to be everywhere this time of year…food magazines, cooking shows, etc., but to be honest, I had never tried it until this past October at a Lifeline Chaplaincy Benefit Dinner in Houston. My husband is the new Director of Development for Lifeline – Houston…that’s what brings us here.
Lifeline Chaplaincy is close to our hearts because they were there for us through the loss of our daughter, Sophie. We needed a lot of support during that time and Lifeline sent a chaplain to visit and comfort us. It wasn’t until then that we realized just how important compassionate support is during a difficult time or grieving process. About a year after our loss, we decided to become pastoral care volunteers through Lifeline and began visiting patients at our local hospital every Friday. You can read more about our story here. When Q was approached by Lifeline to come to work for them on a full time basis, we jumped at the opportunity, because we believe in it so much. Here’s a little more about Lifeline…
Lifeline Chaplaincy is a non-profit organization that seeks to be available to all patients who desire visitation, and to provide any help in ways that will facilitate healing. Lifeline provides Chaplains at the Texas Medical Center hospitals in Houston, the Dallas Metroplex and major hospitals in Austin, Temple, Tyler and Tarrant County.
Lifeline also has another program called Compassionate Touch™ . It helps provide some comfort to patients and their families by providing short-term housing while undergoing treatment, parking assistance, or just a meal to help feed a family member. A Patient or their family member may contact the hospital’s social worker in their area concerning qualifications for the program.
Now, to the Butternut Squash Soup! Like I said, I had never tried until this year…and now I LOVE it! The Westin Galleria provided our meal the night of the benefit dinner and the Butternut Squash Soup was the first course. It was wonderful! It had a rich creamy texture, with a little curry added and some cayenne that gave it a little heat at the end. I loved it so much that I decided to make a batch at home (the best I could, from memory). I thought it turned out great!
This rich, creamy soup is perfect for fall, either as a starter or a main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks, white part only, cleaned and sliced
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, chopped
- 3 tart green apple, peeled, cored, chopped
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
- S&P, to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt butter, but do not brown. Add the leeks and celery and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir often to wilt vegetables, do not brown them.
- Once vegetables are tender, add squash, apple and broth. Bring to boil. Cover, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until squash and carrots soften. Remove pot from heat and add peanut butter. Puree with a stick blender until smooth.
- Stir in cream, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- If soup is too thick, slowly stir in additional water or chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
I’m linking up with :: Skip To My Lou ▪ A Southern Fairytale ▪ Add A Pinch ▪ Delightfully Dowling ▪ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff ▪ Dittle Dattle ▪ Tip Junkie ▪ Crazy for Crust ▪ Naptime Creations
About Jennifer
Jennifer lovely butternut squash I love it!! gloria
What a great cause you and your husband are dedicating your time to! Your soup looks quite delicious. I will be making my own rendition for Thanlsgiving.
this looks so delicious! Came over from Made By YOu Monday, and so glad I did! Would love for you to come link up to my Tasty Tuesday party going on now. http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/2011/11/broccoli-cheese-soup-and-tasty-tuesday.html
This recipe sounds great! I’ve found that a lot of Butternut Squash Soups are a little bit too sweet for me, but this one seems like it would have a nice balance of sweet & savory.
That looks fantastic. I love butternut squash, but never would have thought of putting an apple and a smidge of peanut butter in the soup. Love it. What a great cause you are involved in too.
I love butternut squash anything, roasted, pureed, or in soup form. This looks and sounds delicious!
Mmmm. I love butternut squash soup. I will definitely have to try this. perfect for these colder days. I love your blog. I’m your newest follower.
Would love to see you DIY Home Sweet home.
Jamie
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
P.S. I have a linky every Monday. Would love for you to stop by and link up.
hi! Just wanted to let you know I am going to be featuring this on Tuesday at this weeks Tasty Tuesday Party. Come by and grab a featured button. Thanks for linking up!
http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/