Avoiding Additives and Preservatives

I use Better Than Bouillon for the stock, Simple brand sour cream, Unico canned beans and Green Giant frozen peas.

Butternut squash soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

Salt and pepper

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked

3 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeds discarded and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups total)

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 (14-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed

½ cup sour cream

2 cups frozen peas

Preparation:

Heat a large Dutch oven or pot on medium-high until hot. Add the olive oil, onion and celery; season with salt and stir until softened and starting to colour, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and stir until fragrant, 30 to 45 seconds.

Stir in the butternut squash and vegetable stock, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the butternut squash is tender, 15 to 18 minutes.

Place the cannellini beans into a bowl and roughly mash a portion of them with a fork. Uncover the butternut squash, add the beans and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sour cream and peas and heat until everything is warmed through. Taste and season well with salt and pepper.

To serve, ladle the butternut squash mixture into bowls. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

From NYT Cooking