Collin's Notes:
Expand3 lbs. butternut squash, split and seeded (or, if you want to buy the already prepped and packaged kind (like they do at Whole Foods) use 2½ lbs). Ask a question about this ingredient
3 apples (Fuji or Braeburn – Granny Smith tends to be too noticeably tart), peeled (if you want a more refined look) or unpeeled (rustic!) and sliced thin. Ask a question about this ingredient
1 additional apple (also Fuji or Braeburn) peeled and diced into 1/4 inch cubes Ask a question about this ingredient
1 stick unsalted butter Ask a question about this ingredient
2 tablespoons olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient
1 meaty smoked ham hock Ask a question about this ingredient
1 medium onion, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
1 celery rib, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
2 tablespoons kosher salt Ask a question about this ingredient
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Ask a question about this ingredient
3 cups high-quality hard apple cider (French, if you can find it). Ask a question about this ingredient
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock Ask a question about this ingredient
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Ask a question about this stepHeat a 9-quart (or larger, if you've been keeping fit – those things are heavy) dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and place the squash in, cut side down. If it doesn't all fit, no problem – just make sure that the olive oil coats the cut side of the squash. If using already prepped squash, stir to make sure that all pieces are coated with oil. Add 1/2 cup water, and place in the oven (lid off!) until the squash is tender — about 45 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepWhen the squash is tender, take it out of the dutch oven and let it cool on a plate. Pour off any remaining water and put the dutch oven back on the stovetop. Melt the butter in the dutch oven, add the onions, garlic, celery, a tablespoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and sauté until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the apples and sauté until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cider and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until liquid is reduced by half.
Ask a question about this stepWhen squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the soup. If you're using the prepped and cubed squash, it should be obvious that you just dump it into the soup at this point. Add the stock, the ham hock, the remaining water, and the remaining salt and pepper, and jack up the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring regularly.
Ask a question about this stepRemove the ham hock and – working in batches – purée the soup in a blender or food processor until very smooth (or use an in-the-pot blender) and bring the soup back to a simmer. Add the additional diced apple.
Ask a question about this stepWhen the ham hock is cool enough to work with, shred the meat off and discard the rest. Return the meat to the dutch oven and simmer until the diced apple is tender, about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the dice. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add equal parts stock and water until it is at the desired consistency.
Ask a question about this stepSalt and pepper to taste, and serve with croutons, or with a nice, crusty bread.
Ask a question about this stepThis sounds fanTAStic.
Thanks a lot. Let me know if you come up with any interesting variations --- I get bored if I make the same thing too many times. For instance, I think the next time I make this, I'll dial the squash level waaaay down, and see how it works as basically a cider consomme with a little squash for flavor and mouthfeel. A couple of cloves, a pod of star anise, or a grating of nutmeg might give this dish a slightly different spin, too.
Michael is a food critic and established cookbook author -- Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking is the most recent addition to his vast body of work.
I love using cider in butternut squash soup and lots of other dishes, it adds such a nice flavor.