Chipotle Delicata Squash Soup

I thought I'd sneak in one more Fallish type soup before winter officially settles in and heartier stews and chiles start taking their place. Rich, creamy squash soups kind of waver on that line of hearty and filling like a stew though anyways, so I'll probably still be making this one through winter until we run out of squash. Or get tried of it, which ever comes first.

I really love winter squash combined with chiles and all things spicy. I typically go for that flavor combination over squash that's been sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, it's just too sweet for me. I had my mind set on using chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, a favorite of mine for when I want to add a distinct smoky flavor to things with a spicy kick to it too. It worked out perfectly, and the best part is how simple the recipe is and how few ingredients are needed. I love when that happens.

The soup is super creamy with just enough spice to it, where you know it's there, but your mouth isn't overwhelmed with heat. It's so rich and velvety and feels like there's cream in it, but that's the beauty of pureed squash.

I was originally going to make this using butternut squash, but when my csa box arrived and inside was a few delicata squash, plans changed. It happens, but I figured it would still turn out just as delicious. I'm sure most winter squash would work too, try butternut or kabocha. You should be able to find chipotle chiles in adobo sauce in any ethnic aisle of your grocery store. They come in a can and since there are always way more in there than I ever use in one recipe, I end up freezing the rest to use later. I also just found out you can keep them stored, tightly covered, in the fridge for about 3 months too.

Chipotle Delicata Squash Soup
serves 4-6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 3/4 - 2 pounds delicata squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
5 cups vegetable broth
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot add the oil and onion. Cook stirring frequently until the onion starts turning golden and caramelizing. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Add the squash and vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the squash has softened. Stir in the chipotle chile, cumin, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes.

If you have an immersion blender use it to puree the soup until completely smooth. Otherwise, use a blender and puree the soup in batches. Hot soup will explode out of a blender if filled too high, trust me. Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve hot with a handful of roasted squash seeds and a dollop of Greek yogurt or cashew cream if you're vegan.

Store any leftover soup tightly covered in the fridge for a couple days and re-warm before eating.