This elegant yet comforting bisque showcases the natural sweetness of roasted sugar pumpkins, blended into a silky smooth soup. The dish is elevated by a contrasting creamy cauliflower puree drizzled on top, adding a subtle floral note and visual appeal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy autumn dinners, this recipe turns humble squash into a centerpiece-worthy meal. The edible pumpkin bowls make serving fun and impressive, while the warm spices and rich texture provide ultimate comfort. It’s a vegetarian-friendly option that feels indulgent without being heavy, ideal for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Pumpkin-Squash Bisque – Country Living Holida
Description
This elegant yet comforting bisque showcases the natural sweetness of roasted sugar pumpkins, blended into a silky smooth soup. The dish is elevated by a contrasting creamy cauliflower puree drizzled on top, adding a subtle floral note and visual appeal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy autumn dinners, this recipe turns humble squash into a centerpiece-worthy meal. The edible pumpkin bowls make serving fun and impressive, while the warm spices and rich texture provide ultimate comfort. It&# 226;ÂÂs a vegetarian-friendly option that feels indulgent without being heavy, ideal for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Rinse the pumpkins and pat them dry with a clean towel.
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Carefully cut a wide circle around the stem of each pumpkin to create a lid.
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Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from inside each pumpkin.
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Place the hollowed pumpkins and their lids on a large shallow roasting pan.
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Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
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Roast for 30 to 50 minutes, checking after 30 minutes until the flesh is fork-tender. Remove lids if they are tender first to prevent overcooking.
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Scoop the roasted pumpkin flesh into a bowl and mash it well. Set aside.
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In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) and cauliflower to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes for fresh or 5 minutes for frozen.
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Remove the cooked cauliflower with a slotted spoon and transfer to a blender or food processor.
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Add chopped onion to the remaining broth in the saucepan and bring to a boil.
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Cover and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
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In a small cup, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, flour, salt, and white pepper until smooth.
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Stir the flour mixture into the hot onion and broth mixture.
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Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
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Blend the cooked cauliflower with 1/2 cup of the hot sauce and half-and-half until completely smooth.
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Pour the cauliflower puree into a small saucepan and keep warm over very low heat.
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In the same blender (no need to wash), blend half of the mashed pumpkin with 3/4 cup milk until smooth.
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Pour the pumpkin puree into the remaining sauce in the large saucepan.
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Repeat with the remaining pumpkin and milk, adding to the saucepan.
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Heat the pumpkin mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until hot but not boiling.
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Ladle the warm pumpkin bisque into the roasted pumpkin bowls or serving bowls.
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Drizzle the creamy cauliflower soup over the top of each serving for contrast.
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Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 52.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.0g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1.0g4%
- Sugars 5.4g
- Protein 2.0g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan (ensure milk/half-and-half substitutes are used if vegan).
If using frozen cauliflower, reduce simmering time to 5 minutes. Fresh cauliflower takes about 10 minutes.
Keep the cauliflower puree warm over very low heat while preparing the pumpkin bisque to ensure both components are served hot.
You can use regular serving bowls instead of the roasted pumpkin shells if you prefer not to carve them.
