Butternut Squash and Roasted-Garlic Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 heads garlic, halved
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cups onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 3/4 cup carrot, chopped
• 4 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, 1-inch pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon whipping cream

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F

2. 2

   Rub cut surfaces of garlic with oil.

3. 3

   Put halves back together to reassemble heads.

4. 4

   Wrap each tightly in foil; bake until tender, about 40 minutes.

5. 5

   Cool garlic in foil.

6. 6

   Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat.

7. 7

   Add onions, carrots and celery; sauté until onions are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add squash, broth and 2 tablespoons sage.

9. 9

   Bring to boil.

10. 10

    Reduce heat; simmer uncovered until squash is tender, about 25 minutes.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, unwrap garlic.

12. 12

    Squeeze from skin into small bowl.

13. 13

    Discard skin.

14. 14

    Mash garlic with fork until smooth.

15. 15

    Stir garlic into soup.

16. 16

    Working in batches, purée soup in blender until smooth.

17. 17

    Return to pot.

18. 18

    (Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold. Cover and keep refrigerated. Bring to simmer before continuing.)

19. 19

    Stir in 1/2 cup cream.

20. 20

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

21. 21

    Transfer soup to tureen.

22. 22

    Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon cream.

23. 23

    Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sage.