Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

　　1 onion, chopped fine

　　2 teaspoons olive oil

　　1 1/2 cups chopped peeled butternut squash

　　2 1/2 cups water

　　2 garlic cloves, mined and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt

　　3/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh gingerroot

　　3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

　　In a heavy saucepan cook the onion in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened, add the squash and 2 cups of the water, and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, or until the squash is very tender. Stir in the garlic paste and the gingerroot and simmer the soup for 1 minute. In a blender purée the soup with the remaining 1/2 cup water and stir in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste.