MAPLE SQUASH SOUP

Maple Squash Soup image

This special soup will be sure to impress guest especially served in special squash shells.-Pat Hoffman, Pensacola, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 3 quarts (4 soup bowls).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 medium butternut squash (about 2-1/4 pounds each)
4 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chopped onions
1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup maple syrup
Additional maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

Pierce neck end of squash in several places with a sharp knife. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4-5 minutes. Cut squash between neck and bulb. Peel neck and cut into cubes; set aside. , Remove and discard seeds and membrane from bulb, leaving about a 1/2-in. shell; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a foil-lined 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; top with 4 teaspoons butter. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until butter is melted and squash is heated through. , In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, saute the onions, leek and celery in remaining butter until tender. Add squash cubes, broth and syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until squash is tender. , In a blender, puree soup in small batches until smooth. Return to the pan. Drizzle additional syrup into squash bowls. Fill with soup; drizzle with additional syrup if desired. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Freeze remaining soup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 9g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 345mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein.