Roasted Butternut Squash and Orange Soup

This is my first butternut squash soup ever! I can't believe I've never used this wonderful ingredient before, this soup tastes amazing!

What you'll need:

• olive oil
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
• 2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 1 large butternut squash, roasted, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1- inch cubes
• 2 cups white wine
• 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 bundle thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, cut in 1/2 

First, cut the butternut squash in half and roast it in the preheated oven at 400F for about an hour. Let it cool completely, then cut in cubes.

Coat a large pot over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Season with salt, to taste, and sweat the veggies until they start to soften and are very aromatic, about 7 to 8 minutes. 

Add the squash and potatoes and season with salt, to taste. Stir to coat the mixture with the oil and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Add the wine and reduce by half. 

Add the stock, thyme and bay leaves. Squeeze the orange into the soup and add both halves. Taste for seasoning and adjust, if needed. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer; cook until the squash is falling apart, about 35 to 40 minutes. If the liquid level starts to get too low, water can be used to replace it. 

Remove and discard the orange halves, thyme bundle and bay leaves and puree the soup with an immersion blender or a blender. If using a blender, cool the mixture for about 5 minutes and carefully add it to the blender. It should be very smooth and velvety. Check the consistency. If it is too thick add water to thin it. 

Ladle the soup into serving bowls and enjoy!