Saffron Butternut Squash Soup

We’re a little bit in love with January’s Cookbook Club selection Falastin. We always bookmark some recipes at the beginning of the month when there’s a new cookbook. This month, we bookmarked pretty much the entire book, and just might actually follow through. This soup was pretty easy to prepare and a great winter and vegetarian option. It also got two thumbs up from the resident toddler AND my grandmother, so it has broad appeal. The butternut squash does have a sweeter flavor, which the spicy roasted nuts cuts against, so don’t skip those!

Saffron Butternut Squash Soup

(Adapted from Falastin, by Sami Tamimi & Tara Wrigley)

Ingredients: 

• Soup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • Salt & pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled & chopped
  • 1 large Russet potato, peeled & chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 1 quart vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Pistachios
  • 1 cup pistachios
  • 1 tsp Urfa (Turkish) chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp flaky salt

Instructions:

1. Put oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and top with 1 tsp salt and 5 grinds of fresh black pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Follow this with the squash, potato, paprika, saffron, and stock. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Cook, covered for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
3. While this is cooking, prepare the pistachios. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients for the pistachios in a medium bowl and mix well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pour out the nuts and spread them out. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring once about halfway through.
4. When the vegetables are cooked, add the apple cider vinegar and blend using an immersion blender until completely smooth.
5. Serve soup topped with a handful of pistachios.

Serves 4 as an entree or 6 as a starter/side