WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH PORCINI CREAM

WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH PORCINI CREAM image

Categories Soup/Stew Vegetable Thanksgiving

Yield 12 people

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

1/2 cup dried porcini (1/2 ounce)
1 cup boiling water
Twelve 1- to 1 1/4-pound sweet dumpling squash
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 cups rich chicken or turkey stock, preferably homemade
5 1/4 pounds winter squash, such as butternut or pumpkin;peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice
6 flat-leaf parsley sprigs, plus 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
4 small sage sprigs, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

1. In a medium heatproof bowl, soak the porcini in the boiling water until softened, about 20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a 2-inch ring around the stems of each dumpling squash; remove and reserve. Scoop out and discard the seeds from inside the squash and those clinging to the tops. Season each squash with salt and pepper and replace the tops. 3. Set the squash on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until just tender. Let cool slightly. Using a teaspoon, carefully scoop the flesh from each squash, leaving a 1/3-inch-thick shell. Replace the lids and reserve the flesh. Leave the oven on. 4. In a large saucepan, combine the stock with the butternut squash and the parsley and sage sprigs. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the parsley and sage sprigs. Working in batches, in a food processor, puree the squash with about 1/2 cup of the stock. Return the puree to the sauce-pan, add the reserved sweet dumpling squash flesh and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm. 5. Rub the porcini to loosen any grit, discard any tough stems and transfer the mushrooms to a blender. Let the soaking liquid stand for 5 minutes, then slowly add 1/2 cup to the blender and puree. Scrape the puree into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. 6. In a medium bowl, whip the cream until firm. Fold in the mushroom puree and season with salt and pepper. Reheat the squash in the oven, then transfer to plates and set the lids beside the squash. Stir the chopped parsley into the soup and ladle it into the squash. Spoon a dollop of porcini cream into each soup, garnish with the sage and serve. MAKE AHEAD The components of this soup can be prepared through Step 5 and refrigerated separately overnight. The porcini cream can be made earlier in the day and refrigerated.