Butternut Squash and Sage Curried Apple Soup


Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups yellow onions, chopped medium
2 tablespoons mild curry powder
2 large butternut squashes, deseeded and peeled and cubed medium
4 medium sweet apples, chopped medium
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped fine
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water
2 cups apple cider
Diced apples and a few sage leaves for garnish

PREPARATION

Warm the butter, olive oil, onions, and curry powder in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot.

Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into chunks. Peel, quarter, and core the apples. Cut into chunks.

Add the squash, apples, sage, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash and apples are very soft. Add the apple cider and water and heat another 10 minutes. Blend the soup in a blender or purée in the food processor until smooth. The soup should be slightly sweet and quite thick. Check the salt and pepper and serve hot garnished with apples and sage leaves.