Savory Butternut Squash and Pear Soup with Crispy Bacon
Indulge in this delightful Butternut Squash and Pear Soup, enhanced by the savory crunch of crispy bacon. This comforting yet elegant appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with the subtle tang of fresh pears, creating a rich and creamy texture that warms the soul. Topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, this soup is sure to impress your guests and make them crave seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
6 slices (chopped)
onion
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
chicken broth
4 cups (1L)
butternut squash
4 cups (peeled and cubed)
California Bartlett pears
3 large (peeled, cored, and cubed)
celery
3/4 cup (chopped (175 mL))
herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon ((5 mL))
half-and-half cream
1 cup ((250 mL))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh thyme
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot over medium heat, sauté the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
2
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
Add the chicken broth, cubed butternut squash, peeled and cubed pears, and chopped celery to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
4
After simmering, allow the soup to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, or working in batches with a regular blender or food processor, purée the soup until it's completely smooth and creamy.
5
Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir in the herbes de Provence and crumbled bacon. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Finally, stir in the half-and-half cream and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Butternut Squash and Pear Soup with Crispy Bacon
What are the primary flavors in this soup?
The soup features natural sweetness from roasted butternut squash and fresh pears balanced by savory crispy bacon.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of chopped bacon.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Sauté the chopped bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
How much bacon grease should be left in the pot for sautéing?
Leave approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
What kind of onion is used?
One medium onion, peeled and chopped.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes until it is softened and browned.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of chicken broth.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 4 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash.
Which variety of pears works best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 3 large California Bartlett pears.
How should the pears be prepared before cooking?
The pears should be peeled, cored, and cubed.
How much celery is added to the mixture?
Add 3/4 cup of chopped celery.
How long does the soup need to simmer initially?
Simmer for 30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
How do I achieve the creamy texture of the soup?
Purée the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender until completely smooth.
When should the herbs be added?
Stir in the herbes de Provence after puréeing the soup and returning it to the pot.
How much herbes de Provence is needed?
One teaspoon of herbes de Provence.
When do you add the bacon back into the soup?
The crumbled bacon is added back into the pot after the soup has been puréed.
What is the second simmering duration?
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes after adding the herbs and bacon.
What type of cream is added at the end?
One cup of half-and-half cream.
How should the soup be seasoned?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the suggested garnish for this soup?
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup should be served hot.
Can I use a food processor to blend the soup?
Yes, you can use a food processor, working in batches if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken broth for a vegetarian option?
While the recipe uses chicken broth, you could substitute vegetable broth, though the bacon still makes it non-vegetarian.
Does the recipe require the soup to cool before blending?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing the soup to cool slightly before puréeing.
What is the texture of the final soup?
The soup has a rich, creamy, and smooth texture.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a soup and an appetizer.
How many pears are used?
Three large pears are used in this recipe.