Creamy Acorn Squash and Thyme Bisque
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Creamy Acorn Squash and Thyme Bisque. This velvety soup is a celebration of autumn flavors, featuring roasted acorn squash that brings a natural sweetness and creamy texture, complemented by fragrant thyme and sautéed onions. Perfect as a starter or cozy main dish, this bisque is both satisfying and nutritious, ideal for sharing with loved ones during chilly evenings. Elevate your dining experience with a garnish of fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn squash
2 (Rinsed, halved, seeds removed, flesh scooped out)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped)
Coarse salt
To taste (Seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (Seasoning)
Fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (Plus more for garnish)
Vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups (Unprepared)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (Unprepared)
Instructions
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1. Prepare the acorn squash: Rinse and dry the squashes. Place them on a paper towel in the microwave and cook on high until they are tender when pierced with a paring knife, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the microwave and carefully halve each squash lengthwise. Allow cooling slightly before scooping out the seeds and discarding them. Use a spoon to scrape the flesh of the squash into a bowl and discard the skin. For oven preparation, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C), halve the squashes lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, place cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and roast for 15 to 25 minutes until tender. Then, scoop out the flesh and discard the skin.
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2. Sauté the onions: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and season with coarse salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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3. Combine ingredients: Stir in the roasted squash flesh, fresh thyme leaves, vegetable broth, and 2 cups of water. Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the squash is extremely tender.
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4. Puree the bisque: Carefully transfer the soup mixture in batches to a blender, blending until the mixture is completely smooth, which should take about 1 minute per batch. Be cautious of hot liquid when blending.
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5. Finish the bisque: Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the half-and-half and season generously with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the bisque is too thick, thin it out with extra water until the desired consistency is achieved.
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6. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Acorn Squash and Thyme Bisque?
It is a velvety, comforting autumn soup made with roasted acorn squash, fresh thyme, and cream, perfect for chilly evenings.
What ingredients are needed for this bisque?
The main ingredients include acorn squash, butter, onion, coarse salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves, vegetable broth, and half-and-half.
How many acorn squashes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 acorn squashes.
How do I prepare the acorn squash in the microwave?
Cook whole squashes on high for 8 to 10 minutes until tender, then halve, remove seeds, and scoop out the flesh.
Can I roast the acorn squash in the oven instead?
Yes, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), halve the squashes, and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 15 to 25 minutes.
Should I peel the squash before cooking?
No, cook the squash in its skin first, then scoop the flesh out and discard the skin.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed in butter for about 3 to 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth as the liquid base.
When do I add the fresh thyme?
Stir in the fresh thyme leaves when you combine the roasted squash flesh and broth in the saucepan.
How much water is added to the soup?
In addition to the broth, you should add 2 cups of water to the mixture before simmering.
How long should the bisque simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the squash is extremely tender.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the bisque?
Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and process for about 1 minute per batch until completely smooth.
Are there safety precautions for blending hot soup?
Yes, be cautious of the hot liquid, blend in small batches, and ensure the blender lid is secure.
When is the half-and-half added?
Stir in the half-and-half after the soup has been pureed and returned to the saucepan.
How do I season the bisque?
Season with coarse salt and pepper during the onion sauté and add more to taste after adding the cream.
What should I do if the bisque is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick, thin it out by stirring in extra water until your desired consistency is reached.
What is a good garnish for this soup?
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and is naturally vegetarian.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan butter substitute and a plant-based cream alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a soup or bisque, specifically an autumn-themed vegetable soup.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed for this bisque.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served as a warm starter or as a cozy main dish.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
Is this bisque considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as both satisfying and nutritious.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a natural sweetness from the roasted squash complemented by fragrant thyme and savory onions.
How much thyme is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for the garnish.
Can I use dried thyme?
While fresh is recommended for aroma, you can use dried thyme, though you should reduce the amount since it is more potent.
What heat level is used for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil on high heat, reduce it to medium to simmer.
How long does it take to prepare the squash in the oven?
Roasting the squash in the oven takes between 15 and 25 minutes at 450°F.
Is this a good comfort food?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food ideal for sharing during chilly evenings.