Curried Butternut Squash Bisque(A Spicy First Course Soup)
A warm, spicy first course soup showcasing the sweetness of butternut squash enhanced by curry and cumin flavors. Creamy yogurt swirls add a cool contrast, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or elegant dinners. Its smooth texture and vibrant taste appeal to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 small onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 6 c chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 c apple cider ⓘ
- 1/2 c white rice ⓘ
- 3 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; saute for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in curry powder and ground cumin; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken stock, apple cider, white rice, and cubed butternut squash; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until squash is tender.
- Pour the mixture through a strainer set over a large bowl.
- Puree the solids in a food processor or blender until very smooth.
- Return the puree and liquid to the saucepan.
- Gently reheat the soup, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- In a small bowl, stir together plain nonfat yogurt and low-fat milk.
- Add a tablespoon of the yogurt mixture to each serving, swirling with a knife to create patterns.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth. You can also experiment with different spices like turmeric or coriander for unique flavor profiles. If you prefer a creamier texture, replace the yogurt with coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque hot, garnished with the yogurt mixture for a beautiful presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a perfect first course. For an even heartier meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of Hearty Sausage Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Butternut Squash Bisque(A Spicy First Course Soup) contains roughly 1013 calories, with 29g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2109mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this bisque?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).