Also known as the West Indian pumpkin, calabaza is a round to pear-shaped squash with orange or green-striped peel and firm orange, sweet-tasting flesh. It plays a key role in Cuban cooking and is used in many dishes, such as this creamy, comforting soup that can be enjoyed year-round. Hubbard, butternut, or acorn squash are all good substitutes.

Calabaza Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds calabaza (can substitute Hubbard, butternut or acorn squash), seeded, peeled
1 medium ripe tomato, peeled, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 (12-ounce) can NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
Ground cinnamon
Sour cream

1. Cut calabaza into chunks. Steam or boil in large saucepan on medium-high heat until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain; place back in saucepan and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add tomato and onion, cook until soft. Add cooked tomato mixture to calabaza. In two batches, place cooked calabaza and tomato mixture in blender container or food processor; cover. Blend until smooth.
3. Place mixture back into large saucepan. Stir in evaporated milk, sugar, nutmeg, salt and pepper; mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just boiling. Serve in soup bowls with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of sour cream.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 230 Calories from Fat: 90 Total Fat: 10 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 20 mg Sodium: 270 mg Carbohydrates: 29 g Dietary Fiber: .5 g Sugars: 13 g Protein: 9 g

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.