Creamy Acorn Squash Bisque with Thyme
This luxurious Creamy Acorn Squash Bisque captures the essence of autumn and winter with its rich flavors and velvety texture. Roasted acorn squash lends a sweet and nutty profile, beautifully complemented by the warmth of ground ginger and cinnamon. This bisque makes a perfect appetizer for a holiday gathering or a comforting side dish for any winter meal. Serve garnished with a dollop of tangy sour cream and fresh thyme sprigs to elevate this comforting classic, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
208
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn squash
6 (medium, halved and seeded)
Chicken broth
3 (14 ounce) cans (low-sodium preferred)
Ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon
Salt
3/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Half-and-half or light cream
1 1/2 cups (for a creamier consistency)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (optional, for garnish)
Fresh thyme sprig
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully halve the acorn squash and remove the seeds with a spoon.
3
Place the squash halves, cut sides down, on a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, turn the squash cut sides up, cover with foil, and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
5
Once cooked, scoop the squash pulp out of the peel using a spoon and discard the peels.
6
In a blender or food processor, place the squash pulp in batches and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add some of the chicken broth to reach a creamy consistency.
7
In a large saucepan, combine the pureed squash with the remaining chicken broth. Stir in the ground ginger, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
8
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
9
Once boiling, reduce the heat and carefully stir in the half-and-half or light cream. Heat the bisque through without boiling.
10
Ladle the bisque into bowls and, if desired, garnish each serving with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprig of fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
23g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Creamy Acorn Squash Bisque with Thyme?
The bisque offers a sweet and nutty profile from the roasted acorn squash, complemented by the warmth of ground ginger and cinnamon for a rich, autumnal flavor.
How many acorn squashes are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded.
What oven temperature is needed to roast the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for roasting the acorn squash.
How long does it take to bake the acorn squash?
The squash is baked for an initial 30 minutes cut side down, then turned over and baked for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until fork-tender.
Should the squash be baked cut side up or down?
Initially, the squash halves should be placed cut sides down on a baking dish lined with parchment paper. After 30 minutes, they should be turned cut sides up and covered with foil.
How do I prepare the squash once it is baked?
Once cooked and tender, use a spoon to scoop the squash pulp out of the peel and discard the peels.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the bisque?
Place the squash pulp in a blender or food processor in batches and blend until smooth, adding some chicken broth if the mixture is too thick.
What type of broth is recommended for this bisque?
The recipe calls for three 14-ounce cans of chicken broth, with a preference for low-sodium varieties.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The bisque is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
When should the half-and-half be added to the recipe?
After the pureed squash and broth mixture has reached a gentle boil, reduce the heat and carefully stir in the half-and-half or light cream.
Is it okay to boil the soup after adding the cream?
No, you should heat the bisque through after adding the half-and-half without letting it reach a boil.
What are the suggested garnishes for this bisque?
It is recommended to garnish each serving with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprig of fresh thyme.
How many calories are in a serving of this squash bisque?
Each serving contains approximately 208 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The bisque contains 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the bisque?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
Can I use light cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half or light cream depending on your preference.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
As written, the recipe uses chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, you would need to substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What occasions is this bisque best suited for?
The recipe description suggests it is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings or a comforting side dish for winter meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I remove the seeds from the acorn squash?
After halving the squash with a sharp knife, use a spoon to carefully scoop out and remove the seeds.
Should I use a baking dish or a cookie sheet?
The instructions recommend using a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
How do I know the squash is ready to be pureed?
The squash is ready when it is fork-tender after approximately 50 to 55 minutes of total baking time.
Can I blend the squash while it is hot?
The instructions state to scoop the pulp once cooked; however, care should always be taken when blending hot liquids to avoid pressure buildup.
Is fresh thyme mandatory?
Fresh thyme is listed as an optional garnish to provide an aromatic finish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include soup, bisque, acorn squash, autumn, winter, comfort food, vegetable, creamy, healthy, gourmet, and holiday.
How much sour cream should be used for garnish?
The recipe suggests a total of 3/4 cup of sour cream to be divided as dollops for each serving.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
The recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh ginger could likely be used if adjusted for taste.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The finished bisque has a luxurious, velvety, and creamy texture.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.