Squash & Kale Soup

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables

   15 min hands-on

   • Finely dice the onions and mince the garlic.
   • Peel the winter squash, remove seeds, and chop into small cubes.
   • Strip kale leaves from stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté Aromatics

   8 min hands-on

   • Heat a medium pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
   • Add onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
   • Stir in garlic, chili powder, and paprika; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Squash and Kale

   7 min hands-on

   • Add cubed squash and kale to the pot.
   • Stir to coat with oil and spices; cook for 5-8 minutes until squash softens and kale wilts.

4. Incorporate Beans and Broth

   2 min hands-on

   • Drain and rinse pinto beans; add to the pot with vegetable broth.
   • Stir to combine.

5. Simmer Soup

   1 min hands-on20 min waiting

   • Increase heat to bring soup to a boil, then reduce to low.
   • Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender.

6. Toast Pumpkin Seeds

   3 min hands-on

   • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat.
   • Shake frequently and remove when golden and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Adjust Texture

   2 min hands-on

   • Lightly crush some squash and beans with a spoon or masher for a creamy texture.

8. Season and Finish

   2 min waiting

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.

9. Serve with Toppings

   2 min hands-on

   • Ladle soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with Parmesan, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Cooking tips:
   • To save time, peel and chop the squash in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
   • For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce when sautéing the spices.
   • Use an immersion blender for a fully creamy texture.
   • Season pumpkin seeds with salt, smoked paprika, or chili powder before toasting for extra flavor.
   • Pair the soup with crusty bread or cooked grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.