Butternut Squash soup

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

4 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled seeded butternut squash

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

1 garlic clove, minced

3 to 4 cups Chicken Stock or broth

Step 1

Melt butter with oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, parsley, and sage; sauté until onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add squash and coarse salt; sauté until squash softens and onions are golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add 3-4 cups of stock; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until squash is very soft, about 25 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 2

Working in batches, puree soup in blender, allowing some texture to remain. Return soup to pot. Thin with stock, if desired. Or add cream to make it even better. Season with pepper and more salt, if desired. Or throw in a handful of very thinly sliced chili peppers (Fresno, or Jalapeno).

DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.