This Senegalese take on a classic autumn soup uses Scotch bonnet chiles for spice and nutmeg for warmth. There is a similar soup in Senegal that is said to prevent hangovers (this definitely has my attention!) and you’ll find people selling it outside of bars late at night (also has my attention – don’t be surprised to see soup stands outside of Tin Roof, Play, Tootsies and Layer Cake).

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp. red palm oil or vegetable oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, cored, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
  • 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (2 1/2-lb.) butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the palm oil over medium-high.
  2. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes and chile and cook until the tomatoes break down slightly, 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the stock and add the squash.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes.
  6. Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and purée until smooth.
  7. Return the soup to the saucepan and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with more palm oil before serving.