Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

3 Pounds butternut squash	3 tbsp olive oil
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock	1 large carrot
1 green apple	1 red bell pepper
1 white onion	1 stalk celery
1 tbsp minced garlic	Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika	1 15-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk

Directions:

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine olive oil, butternut squash, carrot, apple, bell pepper, garlic, onion, and celery. Saute 3-4 minutes until garlic fragrant and onions are translucent.
Add stock, salt and pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) and bring to a boil. Cook for 5-10 minutes over medium heat until veggies and squash are very tender.
Stir in the coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth OR transfer in batches to a high powered blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
Taste, add salt and pepper to taste if needed. Add a little more stock or water to thin if needed. Garnish as desired and serve.

Optional garnishes: dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, parsley or thyme, pepitas or roasted pumpkin seeds, black pepper, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika
Thanks to our friends at Le Creme De La Crumb for this great recipe!