Preparation time:

20 minutes

Cooking time:

35 minutes

Makes:

8 Cups

 

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash or 5 cups squash pieces
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 5 thick slices of bacon, preferably double-smoked
• 1/2 tsp each dried sage leave, oregano leaves and salt
• 900 mL carton chicken broth or 2 284 mL cans undiluted chicken broth
• 1/3 cups shredded fresh basil (optional)

We love making this recipe with thick slices of double-smoked bacon. But, really, you can never go wrong with bacon. The regular variety works just as well.

Instructions

• To easily peel squash, make a large slit through skin with a knife, then microwave on high to soften skin a little, from 5 to 7 min. Remove squash from microwave. Peel, slice in half and discard seeds. Chop into small pieces. Coarsely chop garlic, tomatoes and onion.
• Set a large saucepan or pasta pot over medium-low heat. Add bacon. Cook until crispy, 8 to 10 min. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tbsp (30 mL) bacon fat in pan. Increase heat to medium. Add garlic and onion. Stir often until onion starts to soften, about 3 min. Add tomatoes. Sprinkle with sage, oregano and salt. Stir occasionally until tomatoes break down, 3 to 5 more min.
• Pour in broth. (If using canned, add 2 cans water.) Using a wooden spoon, scrape up and stir in any brown bits from pan bottom. Add squash and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer, covered and stirring occasionally, until squash is very tender, 15 to 25 min.
• Working in batches, whirl soup in a blender or food processor, then pour into a large measuring cup or another saucepan. (Alternatively, use a hand blender.) Taste and add more herbs if needed. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with bacon and basil, if you wish. Soup will keep well, covered and refrigerated, up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition (per Serving)

protein

4 g

fat

7 g

carbohydrates

14 g

fibre

2 g

iron

1 mg

calcium

57 mg

sodium

698 mg

calories

131