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)

Fish Salad
Plates with cabbage and vegetables below a fish, ranch and salsa topping.

Fish Salad

Fresh combination of vegetables, fish fillet and creamy ranch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Roasted Garlic
Heads of golden-brown, tender roasted garlic.

Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic brings out sweet and mellow flavors that go well with many recipes. Freeze extra to keep on hand.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
3 Tablespoons
Easy Skillet Chili
Small bowl of chili with beans, ground meat and vegetables.

Easy Skillet Chili

Creamy beans, plenty of spices and chopped tomatoes make a tasty chili in under an hour!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Potatoes are topped with southwest-style toppings for a simple and tasty microwave meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 potato halves
Lentil Soup with Lime Juice
Lentil, carrot and bell pepper soup served with lime and a slice of bread.

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Filling and tasty lentil soup with spicy green chiles, fresh veggies and a pop of lime!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal
Display of Apple Spice Oatmeal recipe squares

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

This make-ahead baked oatmeal breakfast recipe with fruit and whole grains is kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 Squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)