I hadn’t planned on making a butternut squash soup for the blog because, let’s face it, the food world is full of recipes for this delicious soup and the talented foodies out there are always coming up with wonderful new twists on the original. But then I came across this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens in my inbox and I couldn’t resist making it!
Crab and spicy pear salsa?! Never in a million years would it occur to me to put this on the soup but I have to tell you it creates one heck of a delectable dish! There are so many strong flavors in this recipe but they all complement one another beautifully. And it looks so pretty that it’s great for dinner guests as well.
I used my own recipe for the soup but followed the salsa recipe to a T – except for the bacon. They add little bits of bacon at the end and if I had some prosciutto or pancetta on hand, I would have used it. If you want it to look pretty when you serve it, serve the salsa separately in a bowl and let everyone serve themselves. That way it won’t sink before you get it to the table!
I used a Thai chile pepper instead of a jalapeno but whatever you use, be sure to keep in mind your family’s tolerance for heat. The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons which I find a little over the top for the average person so I reduced it to 1 for the purpose of the blog. If you’re a heat lover like me though, go for the 2!
What I loved about this salsa is that it tasted like a hint of spring with it’s pear and lime flavors. As much as I love winter comfort foods, I know it won’t be long till the fresh flavors of lighter food will be calling to me. In this dish, you get the best of both worlds. So dig in and enjoy the healthy goodness of this easy yet elegant meal. Cheers!
- Butternut Squash Soup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup leeks, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, chopped, seeds discarded
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 6 ounces of cooked crabmeat or imitation crabmeat
- Spicy Pear Salsa
- 1 cup pear, chopped ( I used Bosch)
- 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, snipped
- 1 teaspoon lime peel, finely shredded
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Heat oil in large pot medium-high heat. Add the leeks, carrot, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes. Lower the heat if the vegetables begin to brown.
- Add the butternut squash, apple, and broth. Bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or so, until the squash and carrots have softened.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup, or work in batches and purée the soup in a standing blender. (if using a blender, let the soup cool a little first)
- Add nutmeg, cinnamon,cayenne and smoked paprika. Add crabmeat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl combine pear, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime peel, and lime juice. Spoon salsa onto each individual soup serving or place bowl on dinner table and let guests serve themselves.
18 Comments
cheri
January 21, 2015 at 10:06 pmHi Robyn, crab is my favorite shellfish, absolutely love the look and ingredients used here, delicious!
cheri recently posted…Citrusy Winter Slaw
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:09 pmCrab is one of my favs too, Cheri, and it was a nice addition to the soup. Thanks for visiting!
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Stephanie
January 21, 2015 at 11:32 pmYou are simply the cleverest lady and you definitely come up with the BEST recipes – seriously! I am so going to have to try this one. If I had the ingredients on hand I would be tempted to make it right now at 9:30 in the evening 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Roses of Inspiration. Thinking of you! Hugs!
Stephanie recently posted…Roses Of Inspiration Linkup #3
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:10 pmLOL, you must tell me when you make this, Stephanie, I know you’ll love it. Love your link party – so many talented bloggers in one place!
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Anita Rivera
January 22, 2015 at 5:28 amGood morning my friend! Happy Thursday, and happy cooking! Looks good and feels like a welcome into spring! HUGS! Anita
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:11 pmI can’t wait till Spring, Anita! I wish winter was about 2 months long, lol. Thanks always for your kind words and visits, sweet friend. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Jane
January 22, 2015 at 12:41 pmRobyn,
This looks so divine. We have extra crab and have been looking for new recipes. I also sent this to me dear friend Karol. She is going to try it this weekend. Love ya Cuz
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:12 pmCan’t wait to hear what she thinks, Janey! Maybe the three of us should think about writing a cookbook 🙂 Love you, too!
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Marla
January 24, 2015 at 12:14 pmHI Robyn,
Love this recipe. Soups hit the spot on a cold Winter’s day and this one sounds so healthy and delicious with such wonderful ingredients. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #72 – Promoting A Healthier Way Of Life
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:13 pmThanks, Marla. Don’t you love comfort foods that are healthy? Always fun to join you on Fridays! Thanks for the shares 🙂
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
January 25, 2015 at 9:41 amOh my goodness, this soup looks divine! I just pinned it to our Features and Faves board for #FoodieFriDIY…I HAVE to make this! I’ll be sharing it on Facebook a little later and will be spreading around a little foodie love for you! Wish I had a bowl of it right now!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Game Day Appetizers at #FoodieFriDIY no 30
Robyn
January 25, 2015 at 12:15 pmThanks so much, Michelle! I love the way you guys share everyone’s content! I’m loving your list of quick, easy and healthy meals. Pinned and tweeted it 🙂
Robyn recently posted…22 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
Lou Lou Girls
January 26, 2015 at 2:07 pmYou always bring the amazing dishes to our party! Thank you. Pinned and tweeted. We feel honored that you take the time to stop by our party. I hope to see you on tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
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Miz Helen
January 26, 2015 at 3:24 pmI just love the addition of the Crab Meat to your fantastic Butternut Squash Soup. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Spanish Rice Casserole
Debbie Harris
January 28, 2015 at 12:12 amHello dear Robyn!
I just made some butternut squash this evening with wild rice and thought to myself…I would love to try a butternut squash soup. Believe it or not,I have never made it before.
I must give this a try.
I found this through Stephanie’s lovely link up party, so happy you shared it.
I’ve been out of circulation with some health issues, even missed her party this week. 🙁
It’s always nice to visit with you Robyn.
Have a beautiful week.
Joy!
Debbie
Miz Helen
January 29, 2015 at 3:11 pmCongratulations!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your new Red Plate!
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
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Doug
February 26, 2015 at 11:00 amThanks for the variation on an old favorite – butternut squash soup! I bet the pear flavor goes really well, but I’m not sure about the crab!?! I’ll have to give it a try and see.
Doug recently posted…Great Accessories for Cast Iron Skillets
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