Sweet Curry Squash Soup

Yet another variation on a classic soup that disappears almost immediately upon serving. The name might sound odd but the result is oh so easy to achieve and ultra-yummy. The key is the Maple Syrup.

Ingredients

  • 1 – large Acorn Squash
  • 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable or Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cups diced Onion
  • 1 litre Chicken Stock (or Mushroom Stock if going Vegan)
  • 2 Tbsp Sweet Curry paste (or Sweet Garlic Pickle)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste).

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cut squash in half, remove and discard the seeds.
  3. Pour the Maple Syrup into the bottom of a large oven baking dish.
  4. Place the Squash, cut side down in the Maple Syrup.
  5. Into the oven for 40 – 45 minutes or until the Squash is completely cooked and mushy.
  6. Remove and discard the rind from the Squash and toss the Squash into your food processor along with the remaining Maple Syrup from the dish.
  7. Whirr it up until a paste.
  8. Time to put a large pot onto Medium – High heat with the Oil onboard.
  9. Saute the Onions until translucent.
  10. Add the whirred up Squash mixture to the pot and stir in the Onion.
  11. Add the Sweet Curry Paste and the Chicken Stock and mix well.
  12. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
  13. Reduce heat and simmer until dinner time (usually about a half hour) stirring occasionally to keep from lumping.
  14. Serve hot as an opening dish.

Notes

  • For thicker soup you can double the amount of Squash
  • These proportions will probably work fine scaled up to 10 or 15 Squashes if doing for a large gathering.
  • If Curry is not your thing there are you can leave out the paste and add a bit more Salt and Pepper or try another condiment like Southwest Spice or even a Tbsp of Vinegar right at the end to make a hot and sour soup.
  • For an extra rich soup you could add Cream or (even better) Coconut Milk about 5 minutes before serving.

(above reprinted from the old ‘Fortissime’ website on the chance Harbir is having hunger pangs again…)