Winter Squash Soup with Basil and Lime Cream

This Winter Squash Soup with Basil and Lime Cream is a delightful fusion of flavors, marrying the earthy richness of winter squash with the zesty freshness of basil and lime. It’s a perfect dish for special occasions, but it can also elevate any everyday dinner into something extraordinary. The sharp and aromatic basil and lime cream, melting into the creamy squash soup, creates a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing.

SERVES 6–8
PREP 25 MIN
COOK 35 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
AT THE END OF STEP 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 inch (2.5cm) piece ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 3 tbsp oil
• 3 lb 3 oz (1.5 kg) winter squash, such as pumpkin, butternut, or acorn, seeds and rind removed, coarsely cubed
• 2 sprigs of parsley
• 1 sprig of thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 star anise
• 12 oz (350g) tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
• 2 quarts (2 liters) hot vegetable stock or chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream
• Juice of 1–2 limes
• Small handful of basil leaves, chopped, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Chop two of the garlic cloves, but leave the rest whole. Put the chopped garlic and the whole garlic into a large pan with the onion, ginger, oil, and squash. Tie the herbs together in a bundle and toss those in, too. Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
2. Add the star anise, tomatoes, and stock, then season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the squash is tender. Pick out and discard the bundle of herbs and the star anise. Process the soup in a blender until smooth and then pass it through a sieve. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then reheat gently.
3. Meanwhile, pour the cream into a bowl, add the lime juice, and whisk. Once the cream holds its shape loosely, stir in the basil. As you ladle the soup into bowls, top with a dollop of basil and lime cream.

As you savor each spoonful of this Winter Squash Soup with Basil and Lime Cream, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of flavors that make it truly special. The roasted garlic, fragrant ginger, and star anise infuse the squash with depth, while the basil and lime cream adds a refreshing twist. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or as a unique appetizer at a festive gathering, this soup is sure to delight and impress. So, gather your ingredients, and let the culinary adventure begin!