Butternut Squash and Herb Soup

Butternut Squash and Herb Soup

Make the Creme Fraiche at least 12 hours in advance for this soup recipe.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium to large sized butternut squash peeled, seeds removed, and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2-3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 4 oz white wine
  • 18 oz vegetable stock
  • 1 pkg Mariposa Farms Fresh Basil leaves/ chopped
  • 1 pkg Mariposa Farms Fresh Chervil
  • 2 1/2 oz extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 oz heavy cream
  • 1 medium sized lime zest and juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 oz creme fraiche recipe below
  • 1 oz pine nuts lightly toasted

Creme Fraiche

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cultured buttermilk

Instructions
 

Creme Fraiche

  • Combine the buttermilk and heavy cream in a non-reactive container. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature until thickened to desired texture, this usually takes 12 hours. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Butternut Soup

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, drizzle with the oil and honey. Place in the oven and roast for 25-35 minutes or until tender.
  • Heat a skillet until its hot, add the onions and garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the wine and vegetable stock, bring to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes and then add the cooked squash.
  • While that is cooking, chop half of the basil and all of the chervil and place in a food processor with the olive oil and blend to a fine puree. Pour into a separate bowl and set aside.
  • Rinse out the food processor. Place the butternut soup in the food processor, add the heavy cream, lime juice and zest and blend to a puree. Return the butternut soup to a pan and heat through, season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with a spoonful of creme fraiche. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with the herb puree. Garnish with the remaining basil leaves.