Pioneer Woman's Carrot and Squash Curry Soup

(Image from Pioneer Woman)

I made PW's Carrot and Squash Curry Soup a few nights ago and my whole family, even my 3- and 1-year-olds, enjoyed it. I had a massive yellow squash from my in-law's garden to use up, and this was a great way to get everyone to eat it.

I think I used 4 cans chicken broth, minus a cup (and no wine). Also, I like curry, but I though 1 Tablespoon of the stuff was a bit heavy in this. I'll add less next time. But really, this is good soup! We ate half of it, and put the other half in the freezer for later.

Ingredients

* 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 5 cloves Garlic, Minced
* 1 whole Large Onion, Diced
* 3 whole Carrots, Washed And Sliced Thin
* 4 whole Yellow Squash (sliced)
* Salt To Taste
* 1 Tablespoon Curry Powder (more To Taste!)
* ½ cups Dry White Wine (optional)
* 48 ounces, fluid Chicken Broth
* Heavy Cream (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onions and stir to coat. Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes, or until they start to get soft. Sprinkle in a little salt.

Add squash. Stir and cook for a few minutes, until squash is soft and tender. After a few minutes, add salt to taste and the curry powder.

Pour in wine if using. Let evaporate for about 30 seconds, then pour in chicken broth. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover pot, and cook for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, taste and adjust seasonings. Turn off heat.

Puree soup using an immersion blender, or in batches in a regular blender. Return to soup pot and bring to a simmer. Serve hot. If you’re feeling naughty, drizzle heavy cream over the top.

Easy-peasy Stew

This stew is so easy and tasty. Even my husband liked it, and he's not much of a stew person.

HOME-STYLE STEW

serves 5

2 pkgs. (16 oz each) frozen vegetables for stew

1-1/2 lbs. beef stew meat

1 can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)

1 can tomato soup (undiluted)

1 envelope reduced-sodium onion soup mix

(Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.) Place vegetables in 5-quart slow cooker. Cook stew meat until browned on all sides, lightly season. Transfer to slow cooker. Combine the remaining ingredients; pour over top of meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until beef is tender.