One of my favorite parts of fall is the arrival of winter squashes in markets and shops. Β I love to see all the colors, shapes, and textures of this hearty vegetable. Β From the humble acorn to the sophisticated butternut, squashes always make for delicious and hearty fall fare. Β Eastern medicine considers squashes mildly sweet and beneficial to the Stomach and Spleen. Β Especially when served warm, squash soup is easy to digest, even for people who tend to have nausea or abdominal cramping. Β This soup is simple to make, saves well, and best of all, can become a healing tonic with a few simple additions.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, chopped 1 1/2 pounds squash, such as butternut, carnival, or pumpkin, peeled and cubedsalt and pepper to taste
Additions
Fresh ginger- 1 2-inch piece, peeled and chopped. Β Fresh ginger is good for people who have asthma or allergies that tend to be aggravated by cooler weather. Β Ginger is also great to add if you feel a cold or flu coming on.
Nutmeg- 1/2 teaspoon. Β Nutmeg is a warming spice that is used to ease digestion and treat loose stools, especially for people who have difficulty digesting cold or raw foods.
Cinnamon- 1/2 teaspoon. Β Cinnamon is another warming spice that boosts circulation and regulates blood sugar. Β It is useful for arthritis or achy joints that are worse in cold weather, or for cold hands and feet. Β Cinnamon is also commonly used to stabilize blood sugar in diabetes.
Pine Nuts- 1/4 cup, toasted. Β Use as a garnish. Β Pine nuts are moistening to the Lung and Large Intestine. Β In Eastern medicine, pine nuts are used to treat dry coughs or constipation.
Directions
1. Melt butter over medium heat in a 6 quart or larger pot. Β Add onion and cook about 2 minutes. Β Add any additions (from above) and cook until onion is soft and spices are fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Β Add cubed squash and 4 cups of water. Β Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until squash is soft.
2. Puree the soup, with either an immersion blender, or in batches. Β Serve hot.