Pumpkin Soup with Sage Croutons

Recipe by: Scott Goodfellow, Ann and Scott Goodfellow | from Make It Now, Bake It Later: The Next Generation: More Than 200 Easy and Delicious Recipes for Make-Ahead Dishes

Cookstr

Course: Appetizer, Hot Appetizer

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

This soup highlights the deep, rich flavors of autumn.

Yield: Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

Now:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
½ bay leaf
¼ teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
Salt and pepper
One 16-ounce can pumpkin puree
4 cups chicken broth

Later:

1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper
2 slices white bread, crusts removed and lightly buttered
1 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
8 small fresh sage leaves

Directions

Now:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, onion, celery, bay leaf, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the pureed pumpkin, and add the broth, 1 cup at a time. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes more.

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Puree the soup using an immersion blender, or puree it in batches in an upright blender or food processor. Allow the soup to cool. Transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Later:

Return the soup to a large pot, and bring it to a boil on medium-high heat. Stir in enough of the broth to obtain your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the soup is heating, cut both slices of bread into 4- squares, and halve them on a diagonal to form triangles. Place the triangles on a baking sheet, and sprinkle them with the dried sage. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Top each serving of the soup with the sage croutons and a fresh sage leaf.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving.

Calories 129kcal (6%)

Calcium 44mg (4%)

Vitamin C 5mg (8%)

Vitamin A 539mcg RAE (18%)

Potassium 364mg

Magnesium 25mg

Protein 5g

Sugar 6g

Fiber 3g