When you roast butternut, you caramelize, and concentrate the flesh, and get something sweeter, starchier, and richer, which is perfect if you’re enjoying it as a meal, but maybe not such a great thing if it’s going to be followed by additional courses.
The last thing you want when you start a big holiday meal with a soup course are your guests feeling full when they finish. Of course, as with all things food, this is highly subjective, but I did want to share my thought process on skipping the roasting step.
I really enjoyed the festive, seasonally appropriate garnish seen herein, but if you are going for more of a stand-alone meal, it’s pretty amazing embellished with a handful of crispy bacon, and spoon of crème fraiche. So, whether you roast or not; whether you’re going to serve at some fancy feast, or just some chilly Tuesday night, I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients for 6 portions:
1 butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 quart chicken broth
pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraiche (plus more to swirl on top)
2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
chives and pomegranate to garnish
chives and pomegranate to garnish
