Tweet. Pin It. Most of us have the best intentions when deciding to go vegetarianâbut while you may be cutting the animal kingdom a break; you may be doing your health a disservice if youâre not sure how to maintain a balanced diet.
Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add carrot, celery and onion. Cook until vegetables have begun to soften and onion turns translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in butternut squash, thyme, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender to purÃ©e soup. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully purÃ©e in batches in an upright blender.
Butternut squash will keep for months in a cool, dry place. When a recipe calls for mashed squash, the easiest way to prepare it is to cut the squash in half vertically, and remove the seeds and fibers with a spoon. Place the halves, cut sides down, in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.