This is our favorite time of the year! In Atlanta, there is a farmers market open almost every day of the week, and July’s fruits and veggies are abundant here. One of the most versatile veggies and prolific? Of course it’s squash!
This recipe is versatile as well; you can use any type of summer squash – from zucchini to patty pan. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden overflowing with the brilliantly colored gems, you can follow the recipe through step one and roast extra squash to put in the freezer – make this squash soup in the dead of winter and remember your harvest.
One of the most important components of this soup is the dill. Bright, crisp and citrusy tasting, it also packs a powerful punch of nutrients, too! Dill has chemoprotective properties and also is a very good source of calcium to strengthen your bones. As a “chemoprotective” food (much like parsley) it can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens. The volatile oil portion of dill has also been studied for its ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth (like garlic).
Roasted Squash Soup
6 – 8 Squash, chopped
3 TB Olive Oil, divided
Sea Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
2 Cups Chopped Red Onions
1 Large Jalapeño, Ribs and Seeds Removed if desired
1 Red Pepper, Chopped
6 Cups Veggie Stock
2 TB Lemon Juice
1 Cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Chopped Dill for Garnish
Step One Toss the squash with 2 TB olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and spread out on a parchment paper lined sheet tray. Roast in a 425F oven for about 20 – 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step Two Sauté the onion, jalapeño, and pepper in the remaining TB of olive oil until softened. Add the roasted squash to the pot and the veggie stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add in the lemon juice and Remove from the heat and let cool for 1 hour. (If you are serving the soup chilled, put it in the fridge to cool overnight.
Step Three To serve, place a Tsp of Greek yogurt in the bottom of a small bowl or cup. Pour the soup over it and garnish with dill.