butternut squash + sweet potato soup

I think I owe you all this one. Something healthy, hearty, warming, and veggie-full. If I were you I'd be a little upset with me, returning after 3 months away with sticky buns. And empanadas. And cake. Especially with all of those resolutions floating around at the back of your mind, begging to be broken by a lemon-scented, butter and cream-filled dessert. That's just wasn't fair of me, was it?

So, here you go; my new favorite soup. A version of which I've been making for many years...but there is just something so right about this particular one. Perhaps it is the incredibly frigid winter we're having in Charlottesville; a January full of gray skies that threaten, but haven't truly delivered, a good snow. Cheerful orange soups are especially good during months like that. Or maybe it is the fact that I work out of my home office now, and that every now and then as I sit at my computer, blanket and cat warming my lap, fingers nearly frozen, I'll think "soup would be wonderful for lunch". And then I get up and go to the kitchen and make this one. Soup cooked under those circumstances tastes just a little better, I think, and I'm liking that perk of self-employment very, very much.

Even made in the evening this soup is a big hit. Smooth and rich without the addition of cream, hearty and earthy and rosemary-scented, quick and easy and made in one pot. What's not to like? Please try it, I'd love to hear what you think.

Butternut Squash + Sweet Potato Soup
serves 4

Ingredients:

• (1) small butternut squash, about 1.5 pounds, diced (1/2-inch)
• (2) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (1/2-inch)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-inch sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp butter
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• salt + pepper

Method:

1. Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and rosemary and stir to coat. Cover pot and allow veggies to sweat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. After 10 minutes, add broth. Bring to a boil then drop heat to moderate simmer. Let soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes, until potatoes and squash are quite tender.  Remove rosemary sprig.  Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree' soup until smooth and creamy.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Comments

[Laura]

I am bookmarking this recipe! It looks like it'd be so comforting on a cold winter night, which we've had plenty of in VA this year.

You're photographs always pull me in! You have an excellent eye. (I come from a family of artists, and while I can appreciate great talent, I've got none!)

[jacquie]

Bella,

I am so happy you are back! This soup is simmering as I type :)

[Lauren]

This soup sounds and looks amazing, Andrea! The temperature is hovering in the single digits here in Boston, and I am definitely craving soup. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are two of my favorite veggies, so this is calling my name :).

[jacquie]

Andrea,

My soup is done - one small addition, I added a scant 1 1/2 tsp of whole pink peppercorns as the soup simmiered, not only are they beautiful, but the taste was soulfull!

[Cubicle]

This recipe looks delicious. And your photos are just beautiful...make the food come right out of the page. Definitely a good winter soup. Thanks!

[Maija]

I just found your blog and out of all of the food blogs I've seen and read, I have to tell you your photographs are incredible! You are extremely talented and I can't wait to start making some of your recipes!

[Andrea]

@Laura : Thank you! I'm so glad you're still reading. :)
@Jacquie : I am so glad that you enjoyed the soup! I will definitely try the pink peppercorn addition the next time I make it.
@Lauren : Please try it, and let me know what you think!
@Cubicle : Thank you!
@Maija : Thank you! I hope you'll let me know which recipes you try!

[Jen @ Keepitsimplefoods]

Looks delicious! Can't wait to try this recipe.

[Daine]

Thanks for your butternut squash + sweet potato soup. Try the Chipotle Potato and Soyrizo Chowdah soup that I recently found and try. It tasted so delicious and that's why I thought I should share it with everyone on this blog since you have share your recipe.

http://www.fourgreensteps.com/community/recipes/soups-a-stews/chipotle-potato-and-soyrizo-chowdah

[Linda]

Your photos are gorgeous and so is this soup. Simple and delicious - my favorite types of recipes!

[Andrea]

@Jen : Thank you!
@Daine : Thanks, I'll check it out!
@Linda : Thank you!

[ashley]

i just made this soup last night and it was to die for. you can really taste the rosemary! Thanks! Will definitely be making this again :)