Curried Squash And Pear Bisque
A creamy, flavorful bisque blending roasted butternut squash and sweet pears with aromatic curry, perfect for cozy dinners or elegant starters that appeal to vegetable and soup lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve the squash, place cut side down on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
- Allow the squash to cool, then peel and mash to measure approximately 3 1/2 cups.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped peeled Bartlett pears and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the water, vegetable broth, and pear nectar, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the curry powder, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the mashed roasted squash and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Return the soup to the pot, heat through, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider roasting the pears alongside the squash to enhance their sweetness. If butternut squash is unavailable, you can substitute with acorn squash or pumpkin. Adjust the curry powder to your preferred spice level, and feel free to experiment with different types of broth for varied flavors. This bisque pairs beautifully with Blueberry Muffin for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Potato Patties(50 Years Old) for a satisfying contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, ensuring it heats evenly. The flavors often develop further after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Squash And Pear Bisque contains roughly 348 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, this bisque can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare it as directed, then allow it to cool before storing in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based. This will keep the bisque creamy and delicious without any animal products.
What can I use instead of pear nectar?
If pear nectar is not available, you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, a mixture of water and a bit of honey or maple syrup can provide the necessary sweetness and flavor.
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).