Squash Bisque

Squash Bisque Recipe - A Hearty New England Favorite

Region / culture: New England | Servings: 4

Introduction

Squash bisque is a creamy and flavorful soup that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This recipe combines the sweetness of acorn squash with the savory flavors of bacon and chicken stock to create a delicious and comforting dish.

History

Bisque is a French term that refers to a smooth and creamy soup, typically made with shellfish. However, this recipe for squash bisque puts a unique twist on the traditional dish by using acorn squash as the main ingredient. The addition of bacon adds a rich and smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.

Ingredients

4 strips of cob smoked bacon, sliced very thin
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
1 bouquet garni
3 qt (2.84 liter) of chicken stock
4 chef potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 acorn squash, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp of sugar
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 oz (28 g) of dark rum
0.5 oz (14 g) of fresh lime juice
chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, slowly render the bacon until it becomes crisp.
Add the carrots, onions, and bouquet.
Cook until the vegetables become soft.
Add the chicken stock and let it simmer for 90 minutes.
Add the potatoes, squash, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 40 minutes, then puree the mixture.
Add the rum and lime juice.
Check the seasonings and adjust them according to taste.
Serve with chopped parsley.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Add a touch of cream or coconut milk for a richer and creamier bisque.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon slowly to render out the fat and crisp it up for added flavor.

- Simmering the soup for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

- Pureeing the soup until smooth creates a velvety texture that is perfect for bisque.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the squash bisque with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly rendering the bacon adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Simmering the soup for an extended period of time allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butternut squash or pumpkin in place of acorn squash for a different flavor profile.

- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the bisque.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the squash bisque with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the squash bisque with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover squash bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

240 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the acorn squash and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This squash bisque is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a comforting and warming meal during the colder months.

Summary

Squash bisque is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This recipe combines the sweetness of acorn squash with the savory flavors of bacon and chicken stock to create a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

for Squash Bisque. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. My grandmother, a renowned cook in our community, had invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering. As we worked side by side, she began to share with me the secret to making her famous Squash Bisque.

"I learned this recipe from an old friend who hailed from the southern region of our country," my grandmother explained, her hands deftly slicing through a buttery yellow squash. "She taught me that the key to a truly delicious bisque lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care with which you prepare them."

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly peeled and diced the squash, her movements precise and deliberate. She added a generous amount of onions and garlic to a pot of melted butter, allowing them to slowly caramelize and release their sweet aroma. Next came the squash, along with a splash of chicken broth and a sprinkling of fragrant spices.

"Patience is key when making a bisque," my grandmother advised, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "You must allow the flavors to meld together and develop over time, coaxing out their natural richness and depth."

As the bisque simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing scent, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make this dish. It was during a visit to her friend's farm in the countryside, where she had been captivated by the simplicity and elegance of southern cooking.

"I remember watching her cook with such effortless grace and skill," my grandmother reminisced, a fond smile playing on her lips. "She showed me how to coax out the flavors of each ingredient, allowing them to shine in perfect harmony."

I listened intently, absorbing every detail of my grandmother's story as if it were a cherished family heirloom. I could sense the deep connection she felt to this recipe, a connection that transcended mere ingredients and technique.

Finally, after hours of patient simmering and stirring, the bisque was ready. My grandmother ladled it into bowls, garnishing each serving with a dollop of creamy sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first spoonful of the Squash Bisque, savoring the velvety texture and rich, earthy flavor.

"This is truly something special," I exclaimed, my taste buds tingling with delight. My grandmother beamed with pride, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

From that day on, Squash Bisque became a staple in our family's kitchen, a dish that we would often prepare for special occasions and gatherings. Each time we made it, I would think back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, when she had passed down to me not just a recipe, but a piece of her own culinary heritage.

As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I carried with me the lessons my grandmother had taught me about cooking with love and intention. And whenever I made Squash Bisque for friends or loved ones, I would share with them the story of how I had learned to make this dish, passing on not just a recipe, but a piece of my own family history.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Squash Bisque for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the gift that my grandmother gave me all those years ago. It wasn't just a recipe for soup, but a connection to my past and a legacy to carry forward into the future.

And as I stir the pot and inhale the fragrant aroma of onions and garlic mingling with the sweetness of squash, I know that my grandmother is with me in spirit, guiding my hand and infusing each spoonful of bisque with love and memories. For in the end, it is not just the ingredients that make a dish truly special, but the stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. And for that, I am eternally grateful.