BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CARROT SOUP

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup image

I got this golden soup recipe from a friend. Sometimes I add a few slices of red pepper to change up the flavor a bit. -Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 7h25m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 small butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
1 pound fresh baby carrots
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
Sliced green onions, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute onion, garlic and ginger until tender, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker., Add all remaining ingredients except cream and green onions. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are soft, 7-9 hours., Puree soup using an immersion blender, or cool slightly and, in batches, puree in a blender and return to slow cooker. Stir in cream; heat through. If desired, top with green onions. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or milk if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 121 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 695mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges