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Baja Butternut Squash Soup

This silky-smooth butternut soup gets a hit of spice from chipotle, cloves and cumin. Adapted from Chef Jesùs González, Chef of La Cocina Que Canta at Rancho La Puerta. From: eatingwell.com SERVES 10 servings, about 3/4 cup each

1 1/2 pounds (1 small to medium) butternut or other winter squash
1 teaspoon canola oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 carrot, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile (see Note)
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives or chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cut squash in half and seed. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut-side down. Bake until tender when pierced with a knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Scoop out flesh when cool enough to handle.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add celery, onion and carrot and stir to coat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the squash flesh, cumin, chipotle to taste and cloves. Add broth and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Puree the soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender (in batches) until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with a drizzle of yogurt and sprinkle of chives (or parsley).

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the soup for up to 3 days.
Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeño peppers.