PP AJ's Butternut Soup

Chef: Timaree Hagenburger, TheNutritionProfessor.com

Makes: 12 c

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 35 min

Total Time: 55 min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium butternut squash 2.75 lbs or 7-8 c diced with skin, if organic. If not, peel.

• 1 c red onion, diced

• 1-4 cloves of garlic*

• 2 cans fire-roasted chilies (4 oz each)

• 2-3 t of Austin’s Smoky Spice Blend (see below) or your favorite “no salt” blend

• Your favorite greens* (3 c fresh or 2 c frozen)

• 6 c of low-sodium vegetable broth (more may be needed to thin the soup once cooked)

• 1 1 /2 c cooked white beans (Great Northern, Cannellini, etc.)

• Toppings: cilantro, red cabbage and a squeeze of fresh lime

DIRECTIONS

1. Crush or chop garlic and let it sit* while you prepare the squash.

2. Cut the stem off the squash, then cut in half just here the base widens. Cut the round-shaped base in half and scoop out the seeds. Then dice all the squash into medium-sized pieces. (If organic, no need to peel since it will be pureed in the blender.)

3. Warm a large soup pan over medium heat and add the onion. Let it brown, but if it begins to darken too quickly, turn down the heat and begin to stir it, or add a few T of water or veggie broth.

4. When the onions begin to soften (after 2-4 min), add garlic, chilies and seasonings, cooking for a minute while stirring constantly, so that the garlic does not burn.

5. Add the veggie broth and squash and bring to a boil, then simmer covered until the squash is tender (about 30 min).

6. Add the greens and beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Once it has cooled slightly, puree in batches in the blender for a velvety soup! Add additional broth to thin the soup if desired.

8. Enjoy with toppings for taste and a texture party that will tickle your senses!

Austin’s Smoky Spicy Blend

INGREDIENTS

• 2 t coriander

• ½ t black pepper

• ½ t cayenne

• 1 t smoked paprika

• 1 t oregano

• 1 t granulated garlic

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all the ingredients and store in a small airtight container. Have fun adding it to different savory recipes when you need a boost of flavor!

TIPS

1. Press or mince the garlic at least 10 minutes before adding to a hot pan in order to maximize the health-promoting power of the soup.

2. Frozen chopped collard greens are a splendid choice.

3. The soup freezes extremely well, so it is a perfect meal in the future.

4. Serve with a fresh winter fruit salad that can include oranges, apples, pears, pomegranate arils, fresh mint and juice from half of a lime or orange.
   

Timaree’s innovative and engaging cookbook, The Foodie Bar Way: One Meal. Lots of options. Everyone's Happy. provides incredible options to make everyone happy. Available as an Ebook or a full-color, 303 pages, printed book, at www.FoodieBars.com.