Mexican Butternut Squash Soup With Ancho Chili Crema And Pepitas Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the seeds and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and dry on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel once more. Dump and scatter the seeds onto a baking sheet and toss with the oil, some salt and the seasoning if using. Arrange the seeds in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until puffy and light golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes (you will also hear them pop in the oven). Let cool on the baking sheet.

Steps:

• Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown slightly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook for 1 more minute. Add the broth, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the squash is soft, about 15 minutes. Puree using an immersion blender.
• To serve immediately: Serve up in bowls and top with about 1 tablespoon each of the crema, cotija, cilantro and pomegranate seeds.
• If freezing, let cool completely, then pour into 3 to 4 quart bags and freeze. To serve: thaw a bag of the soup in the refrigerator, then heat in a pan or in the microwave. Top with the crema, cotija, cilantro and pomegranate seeds.

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the ancho and cook, turning, until toasted, about 1 minute. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the squash, cumin and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring to coat. Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the squash is tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth (or puree in the pot with an immersion blender). Return the soup to the pot; stir in the agave and lime juice. Season with salt and thin with water as needed. Top each serving with pepitas and sprinkle with cayenne.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the squash, carrot, onion and cumin in oil for 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add 1-1/2 cups broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender; cool slightly. , Transfer mixture to a blender; add the tomatoes, cream cheese, basil, chipotle pepper and remaining broth. Cover and process for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. , Return to the saucepan; stir in the beans, corn and spinach. Cook and stir until spinach is wilted and soup is heated through. If desired, sprinkle with fresh sage.