Vegetable  Soup  with  Salami  Croutons

• For soup:
• 1 Butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium white chopped onions
• 3 minced garlic gloves
• 1 potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 chopped leeks
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 or 5 cups of GF chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tsp chopped thyme
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary
• Salt & pepper to taste or about 1/2 tsp
• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
• For the home-made croutons: 
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 40 g (1/4 cup) pumpkin seeds
• 2 cups French bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 Roma d’Italia Salamino Classic, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup of grated Parmigiano cheese
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt & pepper to taste or about 1/2 tsp
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 ½ tbs paprika

• Soup Preparation: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium/high heat.
• Add all your chopped vegetables, cooking until softened about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute or more until all the veggies have softened.
• Stir in the chicken broth, enough to cover all the veggies. Add in your rosemary, thyme, and grated nutmeg. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 12-20 minutes.
• Once everything is softened, turn off the heat and wait for about 5 minutes before pureeing the soup using a hand-held blender.
• Croutons preparation: Preheat oven to 380ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, toss the bread cubes and chopped salamis with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, Parmigiano cheese, pumpkin seeds, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Spread bread cubes on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes, stir and continue to bake 5 minutes more, until bread cubes are crispy.
• Serve the soup in a bowl and garnish with the crispy crouton mix. Enjoy fall in a bowl! 

Don’t forget to remove the salami casing! Garnish each serving of soup with as many croutons as you desire to enjoy a salty and sweet delight!