Skip to main content

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Delicious squash soup seasoned with ginger and pear that’s easy and quick to make for lunch or dinner. Freezes well.
A bowl of smooth squash soup spiced with ginger and garlic is topped with yogurt and chopped parsley.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 pounds winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes (4 generous cups)
2 pears, peeled, cored, and chopped, or 1 can (15 ounces) sliced pears, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
½ teaspoon thyme
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup plain nonfat yogurt

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  4. Add onions and stir until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and thyme. Stir while cooking for 1 or 2 minutes.
  6. Add broth and water. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer with pot covered until squash is tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Purée soup in a blender or with an immersion blender. If using a blender, follow manufacturer’s directions for puréeing hot liquids.
  8. Return soup to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice.
  9. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of yogurt.
  10. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No broth? Use 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water for each cup of broth.
  • Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.

Comments

I made this recipe using Butternut squash and Bosc pears. There was no one who tried it that didn't love it. The prep is a little involved and then there is the additional pureeing step as well, but trust me--this recipe is worth it :) So delicious!

We made this recently for a food bank demonstration and it scaled up really well. Some folks were hesitant to try it but those that did really loved the flavor.

I really love the creamy texture and flavor of this recipe.  I actually made a big batch and froze it in portion sizes to reheat for dinner after the birth of my baby.  It freezes really well.  Thanks!

One word. Yum!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Overnight Oatmeal
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oatmeal

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
6-12 hours
Makes:
4 cups
Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)
Bowl of oatmeal and yogurt topped with fruit and walnuts.

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Quick and healthy breakfast with hearty oats and creamy yogurt, then topped with crunchy walnuts.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Bowl of seasoned and browned brussels sprout halves.

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet honey and tangy mustard. Only 5 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Barley, Bean and Corn Salad
Bowl of barley, bean and vegetable salad garnished with parsley.

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Fresh and healthy make-ahead side dish or salad with beans, grains and fresh veggies.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Summer Cucumbers
Platter of seasoned cucumber and red onion slices.

Summer Cucumbers

A quick and simple side dish of crisp cucumber and onion with tangy red wine vinegar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Bell Pepper Salad
Red, yellow and green bell pepper strips are mixed with onion slices and dressing for a light and crunchy salad.

Bell Pepper Salad

This 4-ingredient salad is crunchy, tangy and colorful! The perfect addition to any meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups