“Harvest could end tomorrow, it could end next week. What’s for sure is that once all of the beets are plucked, a big party happens within 24 hours to close out the season and celebrate “another good year.” Even if it was a brutal one, it’s always “another good year.”

For Eggmom and me, it’s a drop-everything-and-cook scenario because it’s a job we take seriously, cooking for all of the truck drivers and their wives.

Here’s a soup that’s an Eggmom original. It’s a tomato soup thickened with squash puree instead of cream, a remnant from when Eggboy didn’t do dairy.” – Molly Yeh

Tomato and Squash Soup

SERVES 8 to 10

1 butternut squash (2½ to 3 pounds), halved lengthwise and seeded
2½ tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cans (28 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet and brush the insides with
½ tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt, a few turns of black pepper, the cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, and cloves and bake until a fork pokes easily into the center. Begin checking for doneness after 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor, add the tomatoes with their juices, and blend until very smooth. Return the mixture to the pot.

Scoop the insides out of the squash and place it in the blender with the vegetable broth and blend until very smooth. Add it to the pot, bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and top with grated Parmesan.

Check out our review of “Molly on the Range” and other recipes from the book.