Butternut Squash Soup with Gruyere Pesto

• 2 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium leeks, white parts only, thinly sliced
• 1 quart Chicken Stock, preferably homemade, plus more as needed for thinning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup coarsely grated Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, shredded
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. To prepare the soup, preheat the oven to 375F.
2. Halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and arrange cut side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
3. Bake until very tender, 50 to 60 minutes.
4. Cool to room temperature.
5. When cool enough to handle, scrape out the pulp.
6. You should have about 6 cups.
7. Heat the butter in a large soup pot or kettle over medium heat.
8. Add the leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
9. Add the squash and 1 quart of the chicken stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
10. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring often, until the leeks are tender, about 10 minutes.
11. Working in batches, puree the soup in a food processor or blender until smooth.
12. Thin with additional stock as needed to reach the desired consistency.
13. Return to the soup pot and season with salt and pepper.
14. To prepare the pesto, combine the Gruyere, pine nuts, basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
15. Keep at room temperature until ready to serve.
16. Serve the soup in warmed bowls.
17. Garnish with a spoonful of the pesto just before serving.

butternut squash, unsalted butter, leeks, chicken, kosher salt, gruyere cheese, nuts, basil, kosher salt

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/butternut-squash-soup-with-gruyere-pesto (may not work)