PALETA Butternut Squash Apple Soup

8 servings | 1/4 cup each | 30 kcal serving

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt & pinch of white ground pepper
1/2 large red onion or 4 whole shallots, peeled & chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
4 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
4 1/4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 clove of garlic, peeled & left whole
1 Gala apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup apple cider
4 1/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth

Optional: Chopped fresh chives or toasted pepitas for garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Toss ALL ingredients together (except for Cider & Broth). Place in a baking dish or on a sheet pan and roast uncovered until fork tender.
3. When done, transfer to a blender and add the broth and apple cider. Blend until very smooth and your desired thickness.
4. For large quantities, work in batches, returning the blended soup to a hot saucepan to keep warm.
5. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with pepitas, chives or croutons. Serve warm.

Helpful Hints:
Serve the soup as an appetizer in mini-bowls or demitasse cups with toasted pepitas or croutons for an elegant twist on these classic flavors.

Make ahead and reheat before serving; the flavors will be even more prominent.