BUTTERNUT SQUASH, POTATO AND GINGER SOUP

Butternut Squash, Potato and Ginger Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1 cup peeled chopped potato
1 tablespoon peeled chopped fresh ginger
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 clove garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh thyme, plus more leaves, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups chopped peeled butternut squash
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for drizzling (optional)
Toasted pepitas, for serving

Steps:

Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, ginger, nutmeg, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the butternut squash and simmer until the potatoes and squash are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill blender more than halfway full).
Stir in the cream and reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency with water and seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Serve hot drizzled with more cream if using and a sprinkled with pepitas and thyme.