Smokey Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Butternut Squash: 4 pounds (1.8 kg)
• Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup, chopped)
• Celery: 2 stalks (chopped)
• Carrots: 1 cup (chopped)
• Chicken broth: 4 cups
• Cream: 1 cup
• Smoked Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon (chopped)
• Bay leaves: 2-3
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large pot, combine the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the cubed butternut squash and let it boil for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
6. Stir in the cream, smoked salt, garlic powder, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy, with a smoky flavor from the butternut squash and smoked salt.
• A comforting soup that pairs well with light meals or as a starter for a special occasion.
• A unique combination of flavors that is both hearty and appetizing for an American palette.

User Comments:

1. "This soup was amazing! The smoky flavor was unique and really complimented the sweetness of the butternut squash."
2. "I loved the blend of flavors in this soup. It was creamy and rich, yet not too heavy."
3. "The addition of smoked salt gave this soup an interesting flavor profile that I really enjoyed."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to peel and cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper and add more if needed.
• For a smoother soup, puree the soup in a blender or food processor before returning it to the pot.