Superb Squash Soup With The Best Parmesan Croutons Recipes

SUPERB SQUASH SOUP

Steps:

• Peel and finely chop the onions, carrots and garlic, then trim and finely chop the celery. Deseed and finely chop the chilli. Pick and finely chop the rosemary.
• Heat a couple of lugs of olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the sage leaves and fry for 30 seconds, or until crisp, then remove to kitchen paper.
• Place the pan of flavoured oil back on the heat, add the onion, carrot, garlic, celery, chilli, rosemary and a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then cook gently for 10 minutes, or until sweet and soft.
• Meanwhile, halve, deseed and rough chop the squash. When the time's up, add the squash and stock to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
• For the croutons, drizzle a little olive oil over the ciabatta, pat it in, then finely grate and press some grated Parmesan on to each side. Place in a dry, non-stick pan and fry until golden on both sides.
• When the squash is tender, whiz the soup with a stick blender or pour it into a blender and pulse to a smooth purée - leave it slightly chunky, if you prefer.
• Season to perfection with salt and pepper, then divide between bowls, placing 2 croutons on top of each.
• Sprinkle with a few crispy sage leaves and drizzle with a swirl of quality extra virgin olive oil, then serve.

GINGER SQUASH SOUP WITH PARMESAN CROUTONS

Steps:

• Cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and fiber, and peel. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Cook leek and garlic until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add ginger, squash, and parsnips. Stir, and cook over medium heat, 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and stock. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until the squash and parsnips are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer half the mixture to a food processor, and puree. Return to the stockpot until warm throughout. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Toast under the broiler until golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and return to the broiler, until the cheese begins to melt. Serve the soup in individual bowls with the toasted-cheese croutons on top.