butter-flavored cooking spray

1 1/3

pounds (600 g) butternut squash, halved and seeded

4	ounces (120 g) minced onion

1	tablespoon (15 ml) minced fresh ginger

5	cups (1200 ml) canned low-fat, low-salt chicken broth

2	tablespoons (30 ml) dry sherry

1/2	teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt (optional)

freshly ground pepper

chopped cilantro, for garnish

roasted squash seeds for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), Gas Mark 6. Lightly coat a heavy baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Place the squash, cut side down, on the sheet and bake until it can be easily pierced with a sharp knife, about 1 hour. Bake the seeds at the same time. Remove the squash, allow to cool and then remove and coarsely chop the flesh, discarding the skin.
3. Coat a large pot with cooking spray. Add the onion and ginger and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Stir in 4 cups (960 ml) of the broth and the squash. Bring to a simmer and cook, breaking up the pieces of squash with a wooden spoon, for about 30 minutes. Stir in the sherry and last cup of broth. Taste for seasoning and add salt (if using) and pepper.
4. Transfer to a preheated thermos. Place cilantro and roasted squash seeds in self-sealing plastic bags. When ready to serve, pour into cups and top each serving with chopped cilantro and a teaspoon of the roasted seeds.