
Creamy Sunshine Squash Soup with Gnocchi & Spinach
4-6
15 minutes
55 minutes
Ingredients
For the roasted squash purée
- 1 medium orange sunshine squash (about 1.5–2 lb / 700–900 g) (If you can’t find Orange Sunshine Squash, substitute with other kabocha varieties, red kuri squash, buttercup squash, or butternut squash. Each offers a similar sweetness and texture.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the soup base
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (well shaken)
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 package (500 g) frozen potato gnocchi (do not thaw)
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
For toppings
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- Micro arugula or baby spinach leaves
- Pomegranate arils
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Directions
Roast the Squash
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the squash, scoop out seeds (save to roast later if you like). Brush cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 35–45 minutes or until flesh is tender and caramelized.
- Scoop flesh into a bowl and purée with an immersion blender until smooth. Set aside. You can also use a blender or food processor to purée the flesh.
Build the Brown Butter Base
- In a 5 qt Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (see Tips).
- Add the onion and shallots with a small pinch of salt. Sauté 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized. Note: Use a light hand with the salt here since most stocks already contain sodium. You can always adjust the seasoning later.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Assemble the Soup
- Stir in the roasted squash purée and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the frozen gnocchi straight into the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook 4–5 minutes. At this stage, the base will start to thicken.
- Stir in the peas, then add the coconut milk. Simmer 5–6 minutes.
- Fold in the spinach just before serving so it wilts but stays bright green. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Plate and Garnish
- Ladle into wide bowls. Top with arugula microgreens, pomegranate arils, pecans, and pepitas