Low Fat Cooking: Butternut Squash Soup

Serves 4

Many squash soups use milk or cream as a base. In this recipe, the flavor of the broth fills in admirably for a satisfying, nutritious, low-fat meal.

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded and chopped into _^1/2 -inch pieces
• 4 to 5 cups water
• 2 bouillon cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, cut into _^1/4 -inch pieces
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• _^1/2 tablespoon fresh sage, or _^1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried
• _^1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, or _^1/2 teaspoon dried
• _^1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 teaspoon tamari
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, combine the squash, water, bouillon cubes, potatoes, carrots and garlic. The water should just cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the herbs, wine and tamari, and cook 5 minutes longer.
2. Puree the soup in a food processor or blender. Return to the pot and add pepper to taste. Reheat gently and serve.

—Hildie J. Lipson, Wayne, Maine