Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Maple-Pumpernickel Croutons

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 2 pieces
• 1 butternut squash (about 3 1/2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt, for garnish

Croutons

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp, finely minced chives
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1 loaf pumpernickel bread (small), cut into 1/2-inch chunks

Directions

To make soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, until tender and lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add squash and cook an additional 3 minutes. Add stock, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; cook 15 minutes. Add apples and vinegar and continue cooking 12 minutes. Remove from heat and puree either in batches in a food processor or blender or all together with an emulsion blender. Season with salt and pepper.

To make croutons: Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, chives, salt and pepper. Add bread and toss well. On a baking sheet, spread croutons in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crispy, 7 to 12 minutes, using a spatula to turn once or twice. Remove from oven and cool. Garnish soup with yogurt and croutons.