We are HUGE fans of this butternut pumpkin soup.

We’re calling it… it’s officially soup season. This creamy pumpkin butternut soup is velvety-smooth, and a must-have for your fall lineup.

Chef Todd Leonard shared his signature recipe with us. It’s inspired by the butternut pumpkin soup you know and love from Blue Lemon, where Todd worked as a recipe creator. This soup is pretty simple to pull together. Cook your veggies, blend them up, and serve!

Chef Todd likes to top this soup with candied pecans, pure maple syrup, and a little bit of savory whipped cream. For an extra fancy touch, serve this soup with roasted duck (or your favorite protein)!

Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup

Recipe By: Chef Todd Leonard, CEC
Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 5 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and cubed
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 star anise (place in sachet for easy removal)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper (to taste)

METHOD

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the butternut squash, carrot, onion, celery, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, and star anise. Simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and add half the salt and pepper. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by one-third and the vegetables are tender. The liquid should just cover the vegetables.
4. Remove the pot from heat and discard the star anise sachet.
5. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a traditional blender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Want to learn to cook like Chef Todd? Sign up for classes at UVU Culinary Arts. Suitable for all ages, you’ll learn cooking techniques from their lineup of professional chefs. Find more information at uvu.edu/culinary, or on Instagram, @uvu.cai.

Find Chef Todd on Instagram at @cheftoddleonard.