PEORIA MAGAZINE September 2023

DISH AND DRINK

MAPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP

WHAT’S Cookin’ A lthough I love all the seasons, when autumn rolls around, I really get excited. In addition to the brightly colored leaves, the first use of our farm’s fireplace and some of my favorite holidays, fall brings a bounty of produce to my kitchen. Although winter squash is grown in the late summer and early fall, the name comes from the hard shell that differentiates it from summer squash. The most widely available winter squash is butternut squash, with its long neck and bulbous bottom. Look for the longer necks, which is where most of the tender orange flesh is. For apples, I am particularly fond of Honeycrisp for its sweetness and Granny Smith for its ability to hold its shape during baking. One of my favorite recipes is a delicious maple butternut squash and apple soup. It’s super easy to make, low in calories and vegan (though no one would guess!). I top it off with a swirl of Greek yogurt to make a restaurant-quality presentation. Serves: 4 to 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Baking/Cook Time: 35 minutes

2. Add the garlic and ginger root. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Make sure the garlic does not brown. Add the squash, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and maple syrup. 3. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until squash is fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the rosemary and sage or thyme leaves. 4. Now it’s time to puree the soup until it’s smooth. You can do this in batches in a blender or food processor or directly in the pot using an immersion blender. After it’s smooth, taste the soup and season with salt, white pepper and more maple syrup, if desired. Garnish with a swirl of Greek yogurt thinned with almond or coconut milk. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS : • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup finely diced onion • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped • 1 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, peeled and diced • 1 small butternut squash, about 1.5 pounds, peeled, seeds removed and cut into ½-inch pieces • 1 can (13.5 oz.) light coconut milk • 3 cups vegetable broth • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, or more to taste • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage or thyme leaves • Salt and white pepper, to taste GARNISH : • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon almond or coconut milk INSTRUCTIONS : 1. Heat a large pot on medium. When hot, add the olive oil. Add the onion and apple and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally.

About our chef: Mary DiSomma lives in Oak Park and Cuba, Illinois. She is an author, publisher, philanthropist,

podiatrist, entrepreneur, wife to Bill and mom to four adult children. She also appears on Peoria Magazine’s You Gotta See This! on WTVP PBS

SEPTEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 15