Squash Soup with Chorizo
Source: Recipe from Chef Caprial Pence
A great soother or subtle beginning to an elegant dinner. The cinnamon croutons, which are a delightful enhancement to this dish, are a sweet variation on the classic salad crouton.
Ingredients
1 med. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 large onions, diced
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 cup marsala or dry sherry
8 cups chicken stock
1 lb. chorizo sausage
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. hot pepper sauce
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Spicy Cinnamon Croutons
Spicy Cinnamon Croutons:
1⁄4 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. chile powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 baguette, cut in small cubes
Steps
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place squash in roasting pan and toss to coat with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Bake 25-30 min., until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Melt butter in large stockpot. Add onions and sauté until tender and brown. Add garlic, squash, and marsala; cook over high heat until reduced by half. Add stock; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10-15 min.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in sauté pan. Add chorizo; cook until browned. Drain off fat.
4. Strain squash and stock mixture through a fine sieve. Puree solids and return puree to stockpot. Stir in chorizo, Worcestershire, pepper sauce, thyme, and oregano; season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. For service, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with cinnamon croutons.
Spicy Cinnamon Croutons:
1. Melt butter in sauté pan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, chile powder, and cinnamon; cook 2-3 min.
2. Toss bread with butter mixture to coat evenly. Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan and bake in 375°F oven 25-30 min., until crispy and caramelized.
3. Cool croutons on wire rack. Pull apart for service.