We woke up to a frosty blanket of snow. My first thoughts were not of Spring tulips, but a blanket, a warm cup of tea and a good book. A quiet day of reading in a blanket cocoon and homemade soup for supper feels just about right. Unfortunately, if I want homemade soup for dinner, I'll have to unspin the cocoon to make it, so I've decided on a recipe that will make the effort worth the break in hibernation.

This soup is one of my favorites because it has just the right balance of creaminess, spiciness and sweetness without being rich and heavy. A healthy, cozy meal that makes winter's last gasp a little more bearable. Here is the recipe, I hope you'll enjoy it, too. Snow not required.

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

3 tablespoons oil

3/4 cup raw cashews or cashew pieces

1 cup water

1 large onion, diced

1 clove garlic

1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into even-sized pieces

1 small granny smith apple, peeled and cut into even-sized pieces

3 cups vegetable stock

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated or diced

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

salt to taste

1 cup of coconut milk

Directions

Step One

Soak cashews in water for 45 minutes to one hour. 

Step Two

In a large pot or Dutch oven sautee onion and garlic in oil until onions are translucent. Add the squash and apple pieces, herbs and spices.  Stir until squash and apple are slightly browned and the herbs and spices are well blended. Reduce heat to low and add the broth. Cover and allow to simmer until the squash is tender (approximately 20 minutes).  

Step Three

Blend the cashews and water in a food processor. Blend until a smooth liquid is achieved. Add to the simmering soup.

Step Four

Allow soup to cool. Using an immersion blender (my favorite method), or in batches in food processor or blender, puree the soup. Return to low heat. Stir in the coconut milk and warm until thickened and gently bubbling.

Top with a spring of rosemary or other fresh herbs available and enjoy. 

Return to blanket cocoon with soup and book and enjoy. Winter can't last forever.

(Tip: this soup is even better the second day. Make enough for leftovers.)