Butternut Squash and Parmesan Soup

This is a really wonderful soup. What more can I say :)

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  onions, roughly chopped
• 1  garlic clove, roughly chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  chili flakes (optional)
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  medium  butternut squash
• 4 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock
• 1  bay leaf
• 3  sprigs fresh parsley
• 1  piece  parmesan rind (I use several)
• 1⁄2 cup creme fraiche
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  parmesan cheese, roughly shaved to serve

Directions

1. Gently fry onions, garlic, and chili flakes in olive oil in a large saucepan for about 10 minutes, or until soft and golden.
2. Meanwhile cut off the tough skin of the butternut squash. Scrape out and discard the seeds, then roughly chop the flesh and stir it into the sauteed onions. Cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to soften.
3. Add the stock, herbs, and parmesan rind and simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the squash is meltingly soft.
4. Discard the herbs and Parmesan rind, scraping any gooey cheese into the soup.
5. In a blender, (careful with the hot liquids) process the soup, add the creme fraiche, and season to taste.
6. Serve piping hot with Parmesan cheese shavings.