Leek And Butternut Squash Soup Recipes

LEEK AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• If you're using the pristine-looking leeks from the supermarket, don't be deceived: minute particles of sandy grit can lurk beneath the tightly clustered layers - so begin by trimming off the roots plus most of the very green part and the tough outer layers. Then using a small sharp knife, slit the lengthways to about halfway down, then fan the layers out under a cold running tap to wash them. Then finish slicing them lengthways and slice them across into approx. 1 inch (2.5cm) slices. Next chop the onion (same-size slices) followed by the squash into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes. Now melt the butter in a large saucepan, add all the vegetables, stir them well and add some salt. Pop a lid on and, keeping the heat low, allow the vegetables to sweat and release some of their juices for 20 minutes. You can watch how to chop onions in the Cookery School Video on this page. After that add the stock and the milk and a little freshly milled pepper, then return the lid and, still keeping the heat low let the soup simmer very gently for another 20 minutes. When the time's up, pour the whole lot into a liquidiser and whiz to a smooth puree (you may have to do this in two batches so have a bowl to hand). Then return it to the pan, add the chives and re-heat gently without letting it boil - no more than a simmer. Serve the soup in warmed bowls with some good bread, also served warm.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, LEEK AND POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, bay leaf, garlic, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the broth and 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
• Add the butternut squash and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, and let cool at least 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and rosemary and carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill blender more than halfway full).
• Add the cream and chopped rosemary and reheat the soup if necessary. Adjust the consistency and seasoning with water, salt and pepper. Serve hot and garnish with more rosemary leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Note: When blending hot liquid, first let it cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters and pulse until smooth.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prep the butternut squash and toss with olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
• Evenly coat and spread out on a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish or sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. While squash is roasting, prep the remainder of this recipe. When roasted, set aside.
• In a large heavy saucepan, pot or dutch oven heat the butter on low heat. Add thyme, leeks, celery and onions, stirring occasionally until cooked soft and browned, about 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs (if using).
• Stir in squash, garlic, apples, ginger, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20-30 minutes.
• Using a stick blender (or in blender by batch), puree the mixture until smooth. When using a blender or food processor for hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, crack one corner of the lid open. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
• Return soup to pot with low heat and mix in sherry/wine, cream, additional salt and pepper to taste. Heat until simmer.
• Ladle hot soup into bowls for serving. Garnish with chopped walnuts, chives or a fresh grated nutmeg.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, leeks, and onions. Cook and stir until softened and no longer crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add squash; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently fry bread until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add bread to the stockpot; stir in allspice and ginger. Cook, covered, until squash has softened, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add apple and brown sugar. Fry until apples are well browned and start to form a crispy crust, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Puree the contents of the stockpot using an immersion blender until smooth and free of chunks. Garnish soup with the caramelized apples.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Remove white papery skin from garlic head (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap in foil and bake at 350° for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes.
• Separate cloves and squeeze to extract garlic. Discard skins.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over med-high heat.
• Add leek & sauté for 5 minutes or until tender.
• Stir in garlic, squash, water, broth, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until squash is tender.
• Place half the mixture in blender. Remove the center piece on blender lid to allow steam to escape. Cover the opening with a towel and blend until smooth.
• Repeat for remaining mixture.