Butternut Squash Leek Soup

Ingredients

• 5 teaspoons olive oil , divided
• 1.5 cups chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped leeks , white part only
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 pound butternut squash , cubed
• 10 cups water
• 0.5 loaves Italian bread , sliced
• 0.5 teaspoons ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 apple , peeled and cubed
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat 2 teaspoons oil in large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, leeks, and onions. Cook and stir until softened and no longer crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add squash; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover.

2. 2

   Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently fry bread until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add bread to the stockpot; stir in allspice and ginger. Cook, covered, until squash has softened, about 30 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add apple and brown sugar. Fry until apples are well browned and start to form a crispy crust, 10 to 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Puree the contents of the stockpot using an immersion blender until smooth and free of chunks. Garnish soup with the caramelized apples.