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Mabon, or the Autumn Equinox, is a time to celebrate the harvest and the abundance of the season. It's a perfect time to enjoy dishes made with the fruits and vegetables of autumn. Here's a simple recipe for a delicious and hearty Butternut Squash Soup, which is a perfect Mabon dish:
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil for roasting
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Butternut Squash:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place them, cut side down, on a baking sheet.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
Add the Apples and Spices:
Stir in the chopped apples, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
Scrape the Butternut Squash:
Scoop the roasted butternut squash flesh from the skin and add it to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and apples. Discard the skin.
Simmer with Vegetable Broth:
Pour in the vegetable broth, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Blend the Soup:
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
Serve:
Ladle the hot butternut squash soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
This Butternut Squash Soup is warm, comforting, and perfect for celebrating the autumn season during Mabon. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
