Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO]

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp

extra virgin olive oil

small yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)

2 lb

chopped butternut squash (about 6 heaping cups)

small carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)

3 cups

vegetable broth

2 cups

apple cider or apple juice (do NOT use apple cider vinegar)

1/2 tsp

curry powder

1/4 tsp

cinnamon

nutmeg

1/2 cup

pumpkin puree

2 tbsp

butter

2 oz

low-fat (neufchatel) cream cheese

1 tbsp

brown sugar, more to taste

salt

heavy cream, optional