BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

It's a soup starter tonight, in our house and what nicer taste than a Butternut Squash Soup with homemade bread. The recipe is easy and with butternut squash a cheap vegetable in the supermarket just now, it's a bargain dish, whether with a main meal or just as a lunchtime snack. You can spice up this recipe by adding a chilli or two, depending on your tolerance. Try it....

Ingredients:- (serves 4)
1 butternut squash
50g butter
2tbs vegetable oil
2 onions - chopped
1 garlic clove - crushed and chopped
1 litre vegetable stock
salt and pepper
75g Parmesan cheese - grated

Method:-

• Cut the squash in half and remove all the seeds. Peel off the skin and chop up the flesh into small cubes.

• Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan, add the onion, garlic and squash and fry for 5 minutes.
• Add the stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.
• Pour the soup into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

• Add a good dash of salt and pepper and then pour back into the saucepan and reheat gently.
• Pour into bowls and add a generous spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese (or strong Cheddar).
• Serve up with fresh crusty bread.