I think I owe you all this one. Something healthy, hearty, warming, and veggie-full. If I were you I'd be a little upset with me, returning after 3 months away with sticky buns. And empanadas. And cake. Especially with all of those resolutions floating around at the back of your mind, begging to be broken by a lemon-scented, butter and cream-filled dessert. That's just wasn't fair of me, was it?

So, here you go; my new favorite soup. A version of which I've been making for many years...but there is just something so right about this particular one. Perhaps it is the incredibly frigid winter we're having in Charlottesville; a January full of gray skies that threaten, but haven't truly delivered, a good snow. Cheerful orange soups are especially good during months like that. Or maybe it is the fact that I work out of my home office now, and that every now and then as I sit at my computer, blanket and cat warming my lap, fingers nearly frozen, I'll think "soup would be wonderful for lunch". And then I get up and go to the kitchen and make this one. Soup cooked under those circumstances tastes just a little better, I think, and I'm liking that perk of self-employment very, very much.

Even made in the evening this soup is a big hit. Smooth and rich without the addition of cream, hearty and earthy and rosemary-scented, quick and easy and made in one pot. What's not to like? Please try it, I'd love to hear what you think.

Butternut Squash + Sweet Potato Soup
serves 4

Ingredients:

• (1) small butternut squash, about 1.5 pounds, diced (1/2-inch)
• (2) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (1/2-inch)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-inch sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp butter
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• salt + pepper

Method:

1. Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and rosemary and stir to coat. Cover pot and allow veggies to sweat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. After 10 minutes, add broth. Bring to a boil then drop heat to moderate simmer. Let soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes, until potatoes and squash are quite tender.  Remove rosemary sprig.  Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree' soup until smooth and creamy.  Salt and pepper to taste.

I am bookmarking this recipe! It looks like it'd be so comforting on a cold winter night, which we've had plenty of in VA this year.

You're photographs always pull me in! You have an excellent eye. (I come from a family of artists, and while I can appreciate great talent, I've got none!)

Bella,

I am so happy you are back! This soup is simmering as I type :)

This soup sounds and looks amazing, Andrea! The temperature is hovering in the single digits here in Boston, and I am definitely craving soup. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are two of my favorite veggies, so this is calling my name :).

Andrea,

My soup is done - one small addition, I added a scant 1 1/2 tsp of whole pink peppercorns as the soup simmiered, not only are they beautiful, but the taste was soulfull!

This recipe looks delicious. And your photos are just beautiful...make the food come right out of the page. Definitely a good winter soup. Thanks!

I just found your blog and out of all of the food blogs I've seen and read, I have to tell you your photographs are incredible! You are extremely talented and I can't wait to start making some of your recipes!

@Laura : Thank you! I'm so glad you're still reading. :)
@Jacquie : I am so glad that you enjoyed the soup! I will definitely try the pink peppercorn addition the next time I make it.
@Lauren : Please try it, and let me know what you think!
@Cubicle : Thank you!
@Maija : Thank you! I hope you'll let me know which recipes you try!

Looks delicious! Can't wait to try this recipe.

Thanks for your butternut squash + sweet potato soup. Try the Chipotle Potato and Soyrizo Chowdah soup that I recently found and try. It tasted so delicious and that's why I thought I should share it with everyone on this blog since you have share your recipe.

www.fourgreensteps.com/community/recipes/soups-a-stews/chipotle-potato-and-soyrizo-chowdah

Your photos are gorgeous and so is this soup. Simple and delicious - my favorite types of recipes!

@Jen : Thank you!
@Daine : Thanks, I'll check it out!
@Linda : Thank you!

i just made this soup last night and it was to die for. you can really taste the rosemary! Thanks! Will definitely be making this again :)