Curried Butternut Squash Soup — Three Many Cooks

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeded
• 1 chile pepper (see head note), rinsed
• 1 thick-cut slice of bacon (2 regular slices)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• White wine or dry vermouth
• 1 ½ tsp sweet curry
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Hearty dash of paprika
• 1 large bay leaf (or 2 small)
• 1 quart of chicken broth
• Whole milk or heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and black pepper