As late summer moves into fall, we are lucky to have a wide array of beautiful squash available in stores and at the local farmer’s market. Using vegetable stock instead of chicken is a simple substitution. The tahini and Marrakesh Sitar Moroccan Blend give a new twist to the predictable “butternut squash and nutmeg” combo we’re so accustomed to. Get that fire going, grab a hunk of crusty bread and sweet butter, and we’ll see you around Christmas.

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium-large pumpkin or butternut squash, about 2–3 lb, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 2 Tbsp ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Marrakesh Sitar Moroccan Blend
• 3 Tbsp tahini
• 5 Cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 4 Tbsp butter
• Toasted Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to garnish
• Sesame seeds to garnish
• Lemon zest to garnish
• Yogurt or fresh ricotta to garnish

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Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425℉, move the oven rack to the center
2. Toss pumpkin with olive oil salt and pepper and roast for about 20 minutes or until soft and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottomed pot, add butter and melt over medium heat.
4. Add onions and sweat until beginning to caramelize, about 10–15 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant about 2–3 minutes.
6. Add Marrakesh Sitar followed by the stock to make sure the spices do not burn.
7. Add pumpkin to the pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
8. Add tahini, and using an immersion blender, pureé the soup directly in the pot (see tips/things to remember if you would like to use a standard blender for this step)
9. Season to taste with salt, and divide into 4 bowls.
10. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt or fresh ricotta, a sprinkling of pepitas and sesame seeds, and a grate of lemon zest.