Miso Butternut Squash Cream Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.52 · €1.42/serving

• 2 tablespoons unrefined sesame oil or vegetable oilEst. price €0.12–€0.30
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (soaking in cold water will mellow its sharpness)Est. price €0.20–€0.50
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced (crushing with the flat side of a knife will enhance flavor)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1 1-inch segment of ginger, peeled and finely chopped (use a spoon to peel ginger easily)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 cup of delicate white miso paste (use a whisk to dissolve miso in liquid ingredients)Est. price €4.50–€8.00
• 1 2-pound butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (roasting the squash will intensify its sweetness)Est. price €2.50–€4.50
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or 2 teaspoons of Morton kosher salt (season with salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, for a touch of sweetness (adjust sweetness to personal preference)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• Juice of a lemon (strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp)Est. price €0.35–€0.70
• Kosher salt, to taste (season at the end of cooking for best flavor)Est. price €0.02–€0.05

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating oil in a sizable Dutch oven or a sturdy pot over medium heat. Sauté shallot, garlic, and ginger until the shallot becomes soft and translucent, which should take around 3 minutes. Incorporate miso into the mixture and continue cooking for an additional minute while stirring constantly. Introduce the squash, salt, maple syrup (if preferred), and 4 cups of water. Stir everything together thoroughly. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer until the squash reaches a very tender consistency, typically taking about 20–25 minutes.

2. 2

   Prepare a smooth mixture by blending the squash and cooking liquid using an immersion blender. If preferred, you can opt for a standard blender, working in two separate batches, ensuring to cover the lid with a towel. Transfer the blended mixture to a medium bowl as you progress.

3. 3

   Prepare the purée in advance by making it up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container, ensuring it is covered well, and keep it chilled until ready to use.

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• Cultural note

  Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that dates back centuries and is commonly enjoyed as a staple in Japanese cuisine. The addition of butternut squash adds a Western twist to this classic recipe, creating a fusion of flavors and culinary traditions.

• Seasonal note

  Butternut squash is typically in season during the fall and winter months, making this soup an ideal dish for colder weather. Fresh cilantro can be grown indoors year-round for added freshness.

• Health note

  This miso butternut squash cream soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and zinc. However, it is high in sodium, so it's important to monitor your salt intake when enjoying this dish. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in this soup makes it a balanced…