Butternut Squash Bisque with Ginger and Orange Zest

Serves 8 to 10

It seems butternut squash and carrots make a great couple: sweet soul-satisfying vegetables that compete with one another for beta-carotene content and a sweet, earthy flavor. Appetite-fulfilling without lots of calories, butternut squash makes a creamy soup that is comforting to eat. Try making croutons with cinnamon raisin bread for a unique garnish.

From The Whole Foods Market Cookbook

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 to 3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
3 large carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (1-inch piece)
2 quarts vegetable stock or cold water
1/8 cup grated orange zest
1 bunch parsley, chopped
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Ground pepper, to taste

Method

Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large sauce pot. Sauté squash, carrots, onion, and ginger for 3 minutes, until they are lightly browned. Add stock and orange zest, and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add parsley, nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Purée soup with a hand held immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Nutrition

Per serving: 60 calories (20 from fat), 2g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 10g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 2g protein

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/445