December 4, 2017

Red Kuri Squash and Fennel Soup with Savory Granola

I like to consider myself to be a bit of a squash connoisseur. Or maybe even a squash whisperer, if you will.

But recently, I realized there was one squash missing from my repertoire: red kuri squash.

I’ve passed these bright, red-skinned beauties at the market many times. They were certainly enticing enough based on their color, shape and size alone. And I knew from my readings that their flesh was rich and creamy with a mellow sweet and nutty flavor. Yet I would always reach for my more familiar standbys: butternut and delicata squash. But then a few weeks ago, I decided on a whim to toss one into my shopping cart. And now I don’t think I’ll ever look back. Red kuri squash is taking up a permanent residency in my kitchen!

I decided to make a puréed soup, so I took some direction from one of my favorite butternut squash soup recipes and finally landed on this version of Red Kuri Squash and Fennel Soup with Savory Granola.

I started by roasting the red kuri squash, using my friend Traci’s instructions for roasting whole pumpkins (which I also did earlier this Fall to make these pumpkin chocolate puddings), then I scrapped out the softened flesh and combined it in a large stockpot with fennel, apple, shallots, garlic and vegetable broth. After puréeing the soup, I added a touch of heavy cream to make it extra smooth and luxurious. But you could certainly skip this ingredient all together. Or try using coconut cream instead, if you prefer.

I dressed this soup up with a few microgreens for extra color. And a nutty, savory granola for major crunch. Because I firmly believe that puréed soups should never be served naked.

Savory granola is something that I’ve been wanting to play with for a while now, and I’m so glad I finally took the plunge and tried out a couple recipes (today’s recipe is adapted from this one I found on Bon Appetit). I’m finding lots of ways to use it, including salads and breakfast bowls. I think once you try it, you’ll be hooked, too!

I’m sharing the recipe for this Red Kuri Squash and Fennel Soup with Savory Granola as part of our monthly seasonal eating initiative organized by Becky from Vintage Mixer. Becky has lots of recipe suggestions for December, which you can find here in her December produce guide. And you can also have a peak at the recipes linked up below to see what some of my other blogging friends have created for this month. I hope you find some inspiration for your Holiday gatherings!

Cheers,

Liz

Get the Recipe:

Red Kuri Squash and Fennel Soup with Savory Granola

At a Glance:

Yield: About 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 medium red kuri squash
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped
• 1 red apple, cored and chopped
• 2 shallots, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Microgreens or fresh herbs for topping, if desired

For the Savory Granola:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
• 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1 egg white

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the red kuri squash in half lengthwise. Then place the squash halves cut side-down on your prepared baking sheet. Transfer to your pre-heated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the squash halves are soft. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Once the squash halves are cool enough to handle, flip them over and scrape out and discard the seeds. Then scrape out and save the flesh. The skin of red kuri squash is edible, so don’t worry if you get some skin mixed in with the flesh. I had 3 cups of squash flesh. If you have slightly more or less than 3 cups, you may want to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe so the soup isn’t too thick or thin.
2. Place a large, heavy bottom pot over medium-high heat and warm the olive oil. Then add the chopped fennel, apple and shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt and black pepper and cook for about 2 minutes more. Then stir in the vegetable broth and cooked squash flesh. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. The vegetables should be soft.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Then purée the soup until completely smooth, using either an immersion blender or a regular blender, and taking care when transferring and blending hot liquids. Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust for salt and black pepper. Re-warm before serving, if necessary.
4. Meanwhile, make the savory granola. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss together the oats, nuts, seeds, salt and cayenne pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, agave nectar and the egg white. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring until well coated. Then spread the granola out onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake in your pre-heated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring once halfway through cooking time. Remove and set aside to cool completely. The granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
5. To serve, ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top with some of the savory granola and a few microgreens or fresh herbs, if desired.

December Eat Seasonal Recipes

Beet & Pomegranate Green Smoothie by JoyFoodSunshine

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette by Flavor the Moments

Mini Fruitcakes by Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Garlic and Herb Twice Baked Baby Potatoes by She Likes Food

Roasted Butternut Squash and Grape Crostini by Vintage Mixer

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