Name: Chocolate Infused Butternut Squash Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded; 0.25 cup olive oil, or more as needed, divided; 0.5 teaspoon ground Saigon cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 small red chile pepper, halved lengthwise; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 4 cups chicken stock

Experience the unexpected symphony of flavors in this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. The sweetness of butternut squash is elevated with the subtle bitterness of dark chocolate, a whisper of spice from chili, and warming notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. A comforting and surprisingly sophisticated soup that will intrigue your palate.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

02

Step

Rub each half of squash with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and place cut-side up on baking sheet. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper on each half. Place chocolate, garlic, chile, and maple syrup into the cavities of each half. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

03

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until flesh is soft and tender, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven to cool.

04

Step

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

05

Step

Scoop flesh out of 1 butternut squash half, along with cavity contents, into a blender. Add onion and 2 cups chicken stock; puree until smooth. Pour into stock pot. Scoop flesh out of remaining butternut squash half, along with cavity contents, into blender. Add remaining chicken stock; puree until smooth. Pour into stock pot. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

06

Step

Heat soup in stock pot over medium heat to desired temperature; add salt and ground black pepper to taste. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Garnish with chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, sourdough crostini, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a bit of light cream for an elegant presentation.