MEXICAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP/CALDO DE CALABAZA

Mexican Butternut Squash Soup/Caldo de Calabaza image

Provided by Juliann Esquivel @Juliann

Number Of Ingredients 19

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3 1/2 pound(s) butternut squash, peeled seeded and cut into 2 or 3 inch cubes
1 large sweet or vidalia onion cut in 4 quarters
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into pieces
3 clove(s) fresh garlic smashed
1 large jalapenos, seeded and cut into pieces
1/4 cup(s) fresh diced parsley leaves
1/4 cup(s) fresh diced cilantro leaves
1 or 2 large bay leaves
2 quart(s) or two 32 ounce boxes of chicken broth such as swanson or college inn. if possible use homemade. option you may use vegetable broth as well.
1 1/2 cup(s) unsweetened coconut milk. i prefer canned such as goya brand
3 cup(s) fresh fried tortilla strips or store bought. i like to buy the multi colored tortilla strips.
2 large limes cut in wedges to serve with soup
1/4 cup(s) olive oil
1/2 stick(s) butter
1 tablespoon(s) sea salt
1 teaspoon(s) fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon(s) cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
1 small envelope goya sazon with culantro and achiote

Steps:

In a large heavy pot over medium flame heat the olive oil and butter then sauté the smashed garlic being careful not to scorch or burn it, when garlic is wilted somewhat add the cubed squash, carrots, onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, cilantro and parsley. Saute the veggies a bit in the butter and oil mixture for about 1 minute.
Next add all of the chicken broth, bay leaves salt, pepper, cumin powder, garlic powder, and packet of sazon seasoning. Cover reduce heat to medium and cook until veggies are fork tender.
When squash is soft remove pot from flame and discard bay leaves. With an immersion blender gently blend all of the ingredients until all is pureed. If you don't have an immersion blender you can puree in a blender in batches on a low setting being careful not to splash hot ingredients on yourself. Once all is blended return mixture to pot add the coconut milk and mix and stir well. If soup is to thick you can add some more chicken broth or vegetable broth. Taste to see if seasonings are right salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 or 3 minutes more. Soup will now be ready to serve.
Serve nice big bowls with fried tortilla strips on top and a wedge of lemon. Or you can serve with store bought tri color tortilla strips Also good with fritos chips on top if you don't have tortilla strips. Enjoy