Name: Slow-Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Total time: 5 h
Ingredients: 1/2 onion , chopped fine; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and pepper; 1 pound butternut squash , peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (3 cups); 1 Golden Delicious apple , peeled, cored, and chopped; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; minced fresh chives

Why This Recipe Works

We started by microwaving onion in a bowl with butter and salt. After transferring the mixture to the slow cooker, we added butternut squash, which we cut into 1-inch pieces; chicken broth; and a Golden Delicious apple. After the soup had cooked for 6 to 7 hours on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high), we used a blender to puree it to a silky-smooth texture.

Before You Begin

A dollop of sour cream works really well on this soup, but you can also sprinkle it with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese or with crispy bacon. Serve with croutons, if desired.

Instructions

1. Microwave onion, butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt in bowl, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to slow cooker. Stir in squash, apple, and broth. Cover and cook until squash is tender, 6 to 7 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

Process soup in blender until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle individual portions with chives before serving.