ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH SOUP

Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup image

The toasted ancho chiles in our Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup recipe give it a mole-like smoky flavor-perfect for fall. You can substitute any type of winter squash for this recipe (calabaza, Hubbard, or sugar pumpkin are the best alternatives); choose a squash that feels heavy for its size and is free of soft spots.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Soups, Stews & Stocks Soup Recipes

Time 2h5m

Yield Makes about 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 1/4 pounds kabocha squash
1 onion, peeled and quartered (8 ounces)
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for roasting
Kosher salt
1/3 cup seeded and sliced dried ancho chiles (1-2 chiles)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ear corn, shucked
1/4 cup pepitas (green hulled pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup sour cream
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack on the top third. Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds, then cut into 2-inch wedges. Combine squash, onion, and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle generously with oil and season with salt; toss to coat, then spread in a single layer. Roast until squash is tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, about 30 minutes, rotating pan and flipping vegetables halfway through (remove garlic and reserve if browning too quickly). Let cool slightly; when cool enough to handle, remove skins from squash and discard.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add chile strips and spices; toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and chile has softened slightly (1-2 minutes). Add roasted vegetables and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare garnishes: Using tongs, roast corn over an open flame on medium-high, or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and charred in spots, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, cut corn kernels off of cob. Heat pepitas in a small skillet over medium-high, stirring, until toasted and popping (about 4 minutes). Set aside. To make crema, mix sour cream and 2 tablespoons water.
In batches, puree soup in a blender. Season with salt. Strain for smoother texture, if desired. Return blended soup to the pot and reheat gently on the stove. Divide into bowls and serve with blackened corn kernels, toasted pepitas, crema, and lime wedges.