Butternut Squash and Hominy Soup

/node/4919

This recipe gives sweet and silky butternut squash a little kick from chili powder, and the chewy hominy adds a nice contrast of texture and flavors. Hominy (or posole in Spanish) is corn that has been soaked with lye or lime which cause it to soften, swell up, and take on a chewy texture. You can find hominy in Aisle 2.

Prep Time

60 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Yield

4 Servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, yellow (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 bell pepper, red (chopped)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 squash, butternut (cubed)
1 bay leaf
1⁄2 cup milk (or cream)
12 ounces hominy

Instructions

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a soup pot and add diced yellow onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Meanwhile, peel and cube the butternut squash.

Add butternut squash and chili powder and continue cooking until onion and pepper are softened. Add water to cover the squash and vegetables completely and throw in the bay leaf. Let simmer, slightly covered, until squash is tender. Once the squash is tender, add salt and pepper to taste.

Blend the soup to a puree using a food processor or blender (this soup may also be left chunky if you prefer). Add the hominy, rinsed and drained, and milk or heavy cream and heat gently until warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.