Basque White Bean Soup

A healthy soup but pretty mild flavor.

This is a quick soup to make, and perhaps because of that the flavors do not fully develop. I really like the combination of vegetables - butternut squash, onion, celery, garlic, and red pepper. Ground fennel and thyme for seasoning, and white beans round it out.

If I repeat, I would slow it down - make true caramelized onions (they do not properly caramelize in the suggested 10 minutes - you need an hour), undercook the vegetables, and let it rest over night. I think a bit of acid at the end would also brighten up the flavor - perhaps a bit of balsamic vinegar or lemon?

We served this with a crusty baguette and green salad.