Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato Chili Soup & My Upcoming First Supper Club

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Tis the season for warm, cozy soups! Soups, especially in October, are always very nostalgic to me. I have very fond memories of growing up, on Halloween, my mom would prepare many soups and ask our neighbors to make some as well. It was a whole event. The table would be filled with chili’s, stews, white chicken chili, broccoli cheddar (my mom’s staple) soup, and many more. I would always be in awe and want to try all of the different ones. She would order from a local bakery, pumpkin shaped, orange & green dyed bread bowls. Of course there were homemade donuts and caramel apples included. My family never skimped out on any holiday gathering, especially when it had anything to do with food.

Out of all of the childhood traditions and memories this was, by far, one of my favorites. Even now, as an adult, when I get together with childhood friends they remember this day so fondly. Always coming to my house for their fill of soups, caramel apples, and donuts before our big night of trick-or-treating. This is the power of bringing together people through food.

Speaking of… In one months time I am hosting my first supper club and actually quite nervous about it. The menu is still a work in progress and the invites are going out soon, but this was one of the things I promised myself that I would do once I moved back to the states, so I am giving it a go! Feeding people is my love language, especially loved ones. It always puts a big smile on my face and warms my soul when I get to provide to others a delicious meal with meaningful conversations around the table.

Keep a look out for more info on this. If you are in the LA area please come!

Today’s recipe is an ode to the color that emanates the season. Orange. It is also, an honorary recipe to the new produce that dress the farmers markets stalls now. Squash. Together, with some added spice you have the perfect fall soup. It’s not overwhelmingly dense and will leave you feeling snug after a crisp day.

This recipe was first introduced to me by my sister and brother-in-law. A staple growing up, I just changed a few tidbits. As always, soups are versatile so feel free to dress this up or dress this down how you like. Taste the soup throughout the process to see if you need to add more spice and lastly enjoy the process of cooking in your kitchen!

I hope you enjoy this one!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, SWEET POTATO CHILI SOUP

Ingredients 

1 butternut squash, diced

1 large sweet potato, diced

1 medium sized onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Qt (32 oz) Chicken Broth 

1 Tbsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp-1 Tbsp. chili flakes 

1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive oil

Salt, to taste

Lemon, juiced (optional)

Sour cream (optional)

Method

1: Prep all your vegetables by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing both the butternut squash and sweet potato

2: Heat a large dutch oven pan on medium high with the olive oil. 

3: Once heated, add in the onion until caramelized. Once the onions are caramelized add in the garlic and both the cumin and chili flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes. 

4: Add in the diced sweet potato and butternut squash. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. 

5: Pour the chicken broth in the mixture. Bring to a boil. 

6: Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potato and butternut squash are softened. 

7: Turn off the heat. With a masher or fork, lightly press on the sweet potato and squash to bring the soup to more of a puree texture. 

8: To further mix the soup, add to a blender and mix for 30 seconds or until it forms a smooth, creamy soup 

9: Optional: top with lemon juice and/or sour cream. Enjoy!

NOTE: Taste the soup mixture throughout the cooking process to see if you need to add any more spices to the mixture. 

I hope you enjoy the first, of many, soups that will be included on my Substack. I am through and through a soup girl when the weather turns brisk and cold. LMK if you have any special requests. 

P.S. if you feel so inclined, consider leaving a like or comment here and/or share this post with friends, family, or anyone you feel would enjoy my posts. It really does make all the difference and never goes unnoticed! Thankyou!! I love you all dearly!

xx anni