this makes 6-8 servings and should refrigerate and freeze well

nytimes.cooking

Ingredients

- 2 winter squash (3½ to 4½ pounds total), skin on and quartered, seeds, pulp and hard stems discarded
-1 large yellow or white onion (about 12 ounces), peeled and thinly sliced
-1 large or 2 medium carrots (about 8 ounces), peeled and roughly chopped
-4 coin-size slices of fresh, peeled ginger
-2 apples or pears, cored and roughly chopped
-A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
-6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
-Salt and black pepper
-6 cups homemade or store-bought stock, or water, plus more as desired
-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
-Juice of ½ lemon or ½ orange

Directions

Step 1: Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the squash, onion, carrot, ginger, apples, herbs (if using) and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or large, ovenproof saucepan. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

Step 2: Place the pot in the oven, uncovered, and roast until the squash shows no resistance when poked with a paring knife or cake tester, 1 to 1½ hours.

Step 3: Transfer the pot to the stovetop, and discard any woody herb stems (if using). Add the stock or water, and place over a burner set to medium-low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s as smooth as you like. (You can also transfer to a standing blender or food processor in batches if you prefer.)

Step 4: Stir in the maple syrup (if using) and citrus juice. Adjust the consistency with more water or stock if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Enjoy!