Harvest Butternut Squash Soup

Celebrate the bountiful harvest of Mabon with a comforting and flavorful Butternut Squash Soup. This recipe features the rich and earthy flavors of autumn, making it a perfect dish to enjoy during the season's festivities.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

• Optional toppings: roasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream or coconut milk, chopped fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Preparing the Squash

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

• Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it's tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics

• In a large soup pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened.

• Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, and nutmeg. Sauté for another minute or until fragrant.

4. Simmering the Soup

• Add the roasted butternut squash and chopped apple to the pot. Stir to combine.

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Blending the Soup

• Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, blending until smooth.

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

7. Serving

• Ladle the warm butternut squash soup into bowls.

• If desired, top each serving with a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream or coconut milk, and chopped fresh herbs.

• Sit down to savor this delicious and nourishing Butternut Squash Soup, made with the final harvest of the year. As you enjoy each spoonful, reflect on the blessings of the season and the balance between light and dark.

This Butternut Squash Soup is a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of Mabon and celebrate the abundance of the harvest. Enjoy it with loved ones as you mark the equinox and honor the turning of the wheel.