Spring is almost here—and while I am thrilled about the weather warming up, the longer days, and the return of birds and squirrels and chipmunks, I’m not quite ready to stop enjoying hearty, comforting winter fare quite yet. So today I made this soothing soup with roasted butternut squash, a hint of ginger and nutmeg, and a swirl of sour cream. The flavors are rich and deep, but the soup itself very low in fat and calories, and quite filling.

Be careful with the amount of ginger you use, as it really lends the soup an unmistakable spicy note; too much will take the soup from soothing to jarring!!

Serves 2

For the squash:

• ½ pound peeled butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup water, plus extra as needed
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 sage leaves, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To serve:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup 2% milk, plus extra as needed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Make the squash: Preheat the oven to 350° (preferably set on convection bake). Toss all the ingredients for the squash on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes, stirring once in a while. Add a bit of water if the squash is drying out or browning too much before becoming tender.

When the squash is tender, puree the squash, shallot, and ginger (along with any liquid on the baking sheet) until very smooth using a blender or food processor. Slowly pour in the broth and milk. Season with the salt and pepper and puree again.

Transfer to a pot and heat over a medium flame until the soup thickens to the consistency you like and the flavors are blended, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

To serve: Ladle the soup into 2 bowls. Garnish each with dollops of sour cream and drag a toothpick through each sour cream dollop to swirl a pretty pattern through it. Serve immediately.