Warm spices make this butternut squash soup creamy, and crunchy toasted nuts and seeds on top give each spoonful a great contrast in textures. This soup is warm and healthy, perfect for cold days.
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced. 1 onion, chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 4 cups vegetable broth. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Salt and pepper to taste. 1/4 cup mixed nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, and pecans, toasted. 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Instructions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, saut until softened. Add diced butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with toasted nuts and seeds.
Joe Pittman














