Yellow crookneck squash go particularly well with these spices, but golden zucchini, pattypans, or any summer squash can also be used. If you are picking squash from your own garden and have squash blossoms, use one or two finely chopped blossoms, along with the cilantro, as a garnish.

Steps

1. Heat the clarified butter or ghee, add the onion and the squash, and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring as needed.
2. Gather all the whole dried spices together and grind them to a powder in an electric spice mill. Add them to the onion and squash, along with the cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, ginger root, salt, and ½ cup water or stock, and continue to cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the rest of the water or stock and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Pass the soup through a food mill or purée it in a blender. Return the soup to the stove and stir in the cream.
4. Taste for salt and add more if necessary. Because some squash are less watery than others, the soup may need thinning with additional water or cream. Serve the soup garnished with the chopped cilantro and squash blossoms if available.