BUTTERNUT SOUP WITH PARMESAN CROUTONS

Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons image

Roasting creates a rich, caramelized flavor, but you can cook the squash cubes directly in the broth if you're short on time. They should pierce easily with a fork when they're done. -Jen Lehner, Seattle, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh sage or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
CROUTONS:
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cubed French bread (1/2-inch cubes)
Cooking spray
Additional grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Place squash in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with pepper. Toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring every 15 minutes. Set aside., In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and sage in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the broth and squash. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Cool slightly., In a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth. Return to the pan; heat through., For croutons, in a small bowl, combine the cheese, oil, sage and garlic. Add bread cubes and spritz with cooking spray; toss to coat. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray., Bake at 425° for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle each serving of soup with croutons and additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 541mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges