thanks, martha!

Another week, another recipe from my Martha Stewart cookbook. This week's recipe was Butternut Squash Soup. It sounded wonderfully fall-ish, and I was seriously craving some soup. I also made some tabbouli, but this little blog-i-sode is dedicated to the deliciousness that is (I currently have leftovers for the week) my girl Martha's soup.

What you need ....

2 tablespoons of butter (she's speakin' my language)

1 small onion, chopped

1 small piece - appx. two inches - freshly peeled and chopped ginger (...say what?)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

Approximately 3 lb Butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes

1/4 cup fresh orange juice ... because apparently Martha has time to squeeze her own.

Salt, pepper

I'm sorry - did you say FRESH CHOPPED GINGER? I'll admit it, I freaked out a little bit when I read that part. Until tonight, I had never cooked with fresh ginger and I was frankly a little frightened by these creepy little guys ...



Yum?

But, I overcame the obstacle that was fresh ginger. And it was surprisingly easy! I highly recommend everyone (which I'm pretty sure is like, three of you at this point) run out and get the 'Piranha' peeler.

It. Is. Amazing.

Seriously, it slices through everything with ease - I even used it to peel my Butternut squash.

And in regards to Martha's love of freshly squeezed juice, just buy your own. I did, and I'm pretty sure it tasted the same.

What you do...

Melt the butter in a big soup pot/dutch oven/whatever you have thats big over medium heat. Add the chopped up onions and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add in the (conquered) chopped ginger, garlic, and squash...stirring occasionally, until it starts to smell wonderful, which takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Then stir in 4 cups water and bring it to a boil; reduce your heat and simmer until the squash is fork tender, about 20 minutes.

I wish this picture was scratch and sniff.

Then purée the soup in batches... see previous recipe for caution of over-filling the food processor. Next, stir in the (freshly squeezed) juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

And - enjoy!!

  Big hugs!!