BUTTERNUT SOUP WITH CUMIN

Butternut Soup with Cumin image

Provided by Lydie Marshall

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium onions, peeled and sliced (3 cups)
3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes (8 cups)
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
3 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a commercial broth or bouillon cubes
Croutons

Steps:

In a 6-quart heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat and stir in the onions. Cover, reduce the heat, and braise for 15 minutes, checking that the onions don't burn.
Add the squash to the onions. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, and thyme; cover the pot. Braise for another 15 minutes, checking once in a while that the vegetables do not burn.
Add the broth, bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Purée the soup in a blender or food processor in batches or use an immersion blender. Reheat the soup; taste for salt, and add more cumin to taste. Serve boiling hot with croutons.