Winter Squash Soup With (Less) Red Chile And Mint

• 2 pounds or more of winter squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon mint, chopped
• 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, or water
• 12 coriander seeds, 12 black peppercorns, and 4 whole cloves, all tied in a cheesecloth sachet
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• A handful of sliced mint for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast on a baking sheet until soft, about 35 minutes. After it cools slightly, measure out about 2 cups worth.
2. In a soup pot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the 2 cups of squash, onion, basil, and mint and cook, stirring frequently, for about five minutes. Then add the cinnamon stick and the chile powder, followed by the stock, the spice sachet, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for about 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and the spice sachet and puree until smooth. Reheat the soup gently, then stir in the cream. Serve with a topping of fresh mint.

winter, olive oil, onion, basil, mint, cinnamon, red chile powder, vegetable, coriander seeds, heavy cream, handful

Taken from food52.com/recipes/24638-winter-squash-soup-with-less-red-chile-and-mint (may not work)