After a dental procedure, such as an extraction or a root canal, you may be advised to stick to a “soft diet” for a few days to allow for proper healing. I don’t know about you, but when I hear the term soft diet, my mind goes to jello and mashed potatoes. Nothing against these two, but I like to vary my diet a bit more and enjoy what I eat, even if my diet has to be modified for a few days. In this spirit, I would like to share with you a couple of easy recipes you can make ahead, make yourself, or have a friend or family member help you with in the days following your dental procedure. Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions about any of these recipes!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, cubed (can purchase a package of chopped butternut squash, or peel and chop squash into 1 inch cubes)
1 sprig of rosemary
2 sprigs thyme
¼ cup Olive Oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
3-4 cups of chicken stock (depending on size of butternut squash and desired consistency of soup)
½ cup of half and half (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 deg F. On a sheet pan lined with non-stick foil, spread cubed butternut squash into a single layer. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Remove leaves from rosemary and thyme sprigs and sprinkle over the squash. Toss to thoroughly coat the butternut squash and ensure it is spread evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes, or until butternut squash is fork-tender.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Combine roasted squash with 3 cups chicken stock in a blender. Puree on high until squash is fully incorporated. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Add more stock for a thinner soup. Finish with half and half, and blend until incorporated.
This soup can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for 3 days or packaged and frozen for up to a month!