This elegant Pumpkin-Squash Bisque transforms simple roasted squash into a luxurious, velvety soup. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin is balanced by savory broth and aromatic onions, creating a comforting dish perfect for autumn evenings. Served in hollowed-out pumpkin “bowls” for a dramatic presentation, it’s topped with a surprisingly creamy cauliflower puree that adds a unique texture contrast. Ideal for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals, this vegan-friendly recipe brings a touch of rustic sophistication to your table. ItâÂÂs simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
Pumpkin-Squash Bisque
Description
This elegant Pumpkin-Squash Bisque transforms simple roasted squash into a luxurious, velvety soup. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin is balanced by savory broth and aromatic onions, creating a comforting dish perfect for autumn evenings. Served in hollowed-out pumpkin "bowls" for a dramatic presentation, it&# 226;ÂÂs topped with a surprisingly creamy cauliflower puree that adds a unique texture contrast. Ideal for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals, this vegan-friendly recipe brings a touch of rustic sophistication to your table. ItâÂÂs simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
-
Rinse the 8 small sugar pumpkins and pat them dry.
-
Cut a wide circle around the stem of each pumpkin to create a lid.
-
Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from the inside of each pumpkin.
-
Place the pumpkins and their lids in a large shallow roasting pan.
-
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
-
Bake for 30 to 50 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender. Check lids at 30 minutes; if tender, remove them to prevent overcooking.
-
Scoop out the cooked pumpkin flesh and mash it. Reserve the empty pumpkin shells as serving bowls.
-
In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth and chopped cauliflower to a boil over high heat.
-
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until cauliflower is tender (about 10 minutes for fresh, 5 for frozen).
-
Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon and transfer to a blender. Leave the broth in the saucepan.
-
Add chopped onion to the remaining broth in the saucepan. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
-
In a small cup, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Stir the flour mixture into the onion-broth mixture in the saucepan.
-
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
-
In the blender, puree the cooked cauliflower with 1/2 cup of the hot sauce and half-and-half until smooth.
-
Pour the cauliflower mixture into a small saucepan and keep warm over very low heat.
-
Without washing the blender, add half of the mashed pumpkin and 3/4 cup milk to the remaining sauce in the blender. Blend until smooth.
-
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the saucepan with the remaining sauce. Repeat with the remaining pumpkin and milk.
-
Heat the pumpkin bisque over low heat, stirring constantly, just until hot. Do not boil.
-
Ladle the warm pumpkin bisque into the reserved pumpkin bowls.
-
Drizzle the creamy cauliflower soup on top of each serving for contrast.
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
The original recipe lists chicken broth and half-and-half, which are not vegan. For a vegan version, substitute with vegetable broth and a plant-based cream (such as cashew cream or coconut cream).
Sugar pumpkins are smaller and sweeter than carving pumpkins, making them ideal for this soup. If you cannot find sugar pumpkins, butternut squash is a good substitute.
Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much.
The pumpkin shells can be garnished with fresh thyme, sage, or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
