MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06   
      
         Title: Quick Butternut Squash Soup w/Spiced Pepitas   
    Categories: Squash, Nuts, Soups, Chilies   
         Yield: 4 Servings   
      
   MMMMM----------------------------SOUP---------------------------------   
         1 tb Olive oil   
         1 md Leek; white, lt green parts   
              - thin sliced   
         1 c  Thin sliced celery   
         1 c  Thin sliced carrots   
         2 cl Garlic; peeled, crushed   
        20 oz Fresh peeled, chopped   
              - butternut squash   
         1 qt Chicken broth   
       1/4 c  Creme fraiche or heavy cream   
              - (opt)   
              Salt and pepper   
      
   MMMMM--------------------------PEPITAS-------------------------------   
       1/2 c  Raw pumpkin seeds *   
       1/2 ts Cumin   
       1/2 ts Sugar   
           pn Cayenne pepper   
      
     Peeled and chopped butternut squash is available in the   
     produce aisle of grocery stores such as Trader Joe's,   
     Whole Foods and Bristol Farms.   
      
     For the soup: In a large heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch   
     oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil then add the   
     leeks, celery, carrots and garlic. Saute until the leeks   
     are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and stock,   
     then bring to a simmer. Cook until the squash and carrots   
     are tender, 8 to 10 minutes depending on the size of the   
     squash pieces. Puree with an immersion blender or in a   
     blender until smooth, then stir in the cream, if using.   
     Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately   
     with the pepitas.   
      
     For the pepitas: While the soup is simmering, place the   
     pepitas in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the   
     pan is hot, add the cumin, sugar, cayenne and salt and   
     pepper to taste. Stir until the seasonings have melted   
     into the seeds. (You will only need about half of the   
     pepitas to garnish the soup; the rest make a great snack.)   
      
     Note: Pepitas, or hulled green pumpkin seeds, are   
     available at Latin grocers and health food stores.   
      
     Serves 4   
      
     URL: http://sfgate.com   
      
     MM Format by Dave Drum - 29 October 2009   
      
     Uncle Dirty Dave's Archives   
      
   MMMMM   
      
   ... "A little greed can get you a lot of stuff."   
      
   --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-1   
    * Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)