Squash Mashup Soup
Why I Love This Recipe
This one is pretty easy. Actually, it was a deviation of the normal butternut squash soup that my boyfriend makes, but the addition of barley as a thickener adds a nice texture and a nutty flavor. This soup is best eaten the next day, as the barley really absorbs the liquid overnight and makes the soup super-thick. It makes a great meal with some good crusty bread and a side salad.
Ingredients You'll Need
2 small squashes (I used butternut and delicata), peeled and cubed
4 cups vegetable broth
celery
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 small onions, chopped
1 cup corn, frozen or otherwise
small piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
bit of heavy cream or milk
1 cup of barley
Directions
Bring the veggie broth to a boil in a medium stockpot and then put everything else, except the cream and barely, in the pot. Bring it all to a boil and then put a lid on the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is soft. If it looks to liquidy, don’t worry about it, the barley will do the job of absorption. If it looks too thick, just add more water.
Either process in a food processor/blender in small batches or use an immersion blender in the pot. I like to keep it a little chunky, but it’s your preference.
Return soup to pot and put it on a very low flame. Really let this simmer slowly and add the barley and the cream. Let sit for another 10 or 15 minutes, uncovered, and add salt and pepper to taste.
You can eat the soup now, but like I said, it really does taste better if you wait a day. If you can’t wait that long, I suggest letting it rest for about 30 minutes before serving so that the barley gets the chance to absorb all of the brothy goodness. Swirl in a dollop of yogurt, sour cream or creme fraiche.
Mmmm, mmmm, goooood.
