Winter Squash Soup with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 celery rib, coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 quart chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1 quart water
• 4 pounds kabocha or butternut squash—peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper
• Large pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salted roasted pumpkin seeds, honey and diced cucumber, for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the stock and water and bring to a boil. Add the squash, cover partially and simmer over moderately low heat until tender, about 30 minutes.
2. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the pot, bring to a simmer and season with salt, white pepper and nutmeg. Garnish with the pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of honey and the cucumber.