Autumn 2021 and 4x4 Soup

Did you think we would get here? The pandemic isn’t over, the economy is a mess, political strife is everywhere.

Are you feeling a sense of grief or uneasiness in your chest about all of this? You’re not alone. Even without the pandemic issues, Autumn is the time of the Lung and Grief is the emotion of the season. The days are shorter, the leaves are falling, my tomato plants are done for the year. We turn inward and take stock of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there.

Have you been putting up canned goods for the winter? Bought your first squash yet? I did and I couldn’t wait to get into it. I put together a quick (30 minutes or less) weeknight soup that is warm, filling, and hits just the spot to remind you of all the good things you’ve accomplished this year. We are turning towards the holidays and I am excited to enjoy this next season of pumpkins, falling leaves, and maybe even some snow?

Serves 4

What you need:

5qt stock pot, Dutch oven, or similar cooking pot

4 cups Butternut squash, peeled and cubed

4 cups Zucchini, chunks, sliced, or cubed

4 Chicken-apple sausages, sliced

4 cups Chicken bone broth

1/2 Onion, diced

4-8oz Water

1 tablespoon EVOO or just use some of the broth for sauté

juice of 1 lemon

Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder

Sriracha

Directions:

  1. Sauté onion in a 5 qt pot until translucent. Use salt and pepper to taste.

  2. Add butternut squash and the bone broth

  3. Add garlic powder and sliced sausages. Bring to a gentle boil.

  4. Add the zucchini when the butternut is not quite fork-tender

  5. Cook until squashes are tender. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice to taste.

  6. Take off the heat. Let cook just a bit and drizzle sriracha over the top for a warm, spicy bite.

chaiya sherman