Pantsuit Pinot Noir Pairing: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

Chef Deborah Madison's butternut squash soup is rich and satisfying and punctuated with earthy notes of sage. It makes a delicious fall meal when paired with Pantsuit Pinot Noir. Original recipe sourced from Bon Appetit magazine.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1. Soup:

   • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter

   • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

   • 2 cups chopped onions

   • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

   • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

   • 4 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled seeded butternut squash

   • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

   • 1 garlic clove, minced

   • 5 to 6 cups Chicken Stock or 5 to 6 cups purchased organic chicken broth

2. Breadcrumbs:

   • 2 crustless slices fresh whole grain wheat bread, torn

   • 4 teaspoons butter

   • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage

Preparation

1. For soup:

   1. Melt butter with oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, parsley, and sage; sauté until onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add squash and coarse salt; sauté until squash softens and onions are golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add 5 cups stock; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until squash is very soft, about 25 minutes. Cool slightly.

   2. Working in batches, puree soup in blender, allowing some texture to remain. Return soup to pot. Thin with stock, if desired. Season with pepper and more salt, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and chill. Rewarm before serving.

2. For breadcrumbs:

   1. Place bread in processor; blend until fine crumbs form but some slightly coarser crumbs remain. Cook butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Add breadcrumbs and sage. Cook until crumbs are crisp, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand uncovered at room temperature.

3. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.