Pumpkin Pecan Bisque
A creamy, flavorful pumpkin pecan bisque with warm spices and toasted pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting starter during fall and winter seasons.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pureed pumpkin ⓘ
- 2 c. fresh pumpkin puree ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter; sauté onion and garlic for 7 to 8 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth, pumpkin, water, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, cumin, and salt to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in half and half.
- In a blender, combine the soup mixture and pecans in two batches at low speed for 1 minute each.
- Pour the blended soup back into the saucepan.
- Heat through, stirring often, until hot and well blended.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier bisque, consider substituting the half and half with heavy cream. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavors. Ensure that the pecans are finely chopped before blending to achieve a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pumpkin pecan bisque hot, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and fresh thyme. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Donna'S Chicken Casserole or a light sandwich for a balanced autumn lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the bisque on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Pecan Bisque contains roughly 854 calories, with 14g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1451mg per serving (63% 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 use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Yes, using a 16 oz. can of pureed pumpkin is a great alternative to fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it's 100% pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar for the best results in this bisque.
Is this bisque suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the bisque for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Can I make this bisque vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use coconut milk instead of half and half. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly.
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).