Leek & Delicata Squash Soup With Caramelized Apple Croutons - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large leeks, white and tender green parts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or 2 1/2 cups vegetarian chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
sour cream, if desired (to garnish) (optional)
1 tart green apple, of your choosing
1/4 cup light brown sugar

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet and bake until tender, about 40 minutes. Let cool slightly and gently scrape or cut squash away from skin (delicata skin is edible, but not tasty in this dish). Set aside.
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add leeks and thyme and stir occasionally until soft and brown, 10-15 minutes. Stir in the stock and the squash and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. Using an immersion hand blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. (Alternatively, puree the soup in batches in a standard blender or food processor).
Season with salt and pepper & top with sour cream and caramelized apple croutons
To make the croutons:
Peel and core apple and halve lengthwise. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, cut apple into very thin slices. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread one layer of apple slices on top. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake slices for 20 minutes at 350 degrees until crisp.
Transfer to cooling racks and let cool completely.