Warm up your chilly evenings with a bowl of our delightful winter squash and pear soup! This creamy, velvety soup combines the earthy sweetness of winter squash with the luscious flavor of ripe pears, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for the colder months. With just 35 minutes from prep to table, you'll discover how easy it is to whip up this nutritious and delicious recipe that will have your family asking for seconds. Dive into the heartwarming flavors of fall and winter, and let this soup be the star of your next cozy dinner!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium winter squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and cube the winter squash, then set it aside. Peel and chop the pears, and also chop the onion. Make sure to have your vegetable broth ready to go.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the cubed winter squash to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the squash to soften slightly.
- Now, add the chopped pears to the pot along with the thyme. Stir everything together, ensuring the pears and squash are well mixed with the onion.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash and pears are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Be cautious with hot liquids!
- After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender). Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy your warm winter squash and pear soup!
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: For the best flavor, opt for a medium winter squash like butternut or acorn. Their sweetness complements the pears beautifully.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can peel and chop the squash and pears ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Sautéing Technique: Make sure to sauté the onion until it’s translucent to enhance its sweetness. This step lays the foundation for a rich flavor in your soup.
- Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to a countertop blender. Blend in batches if necessary, and always be cautious with hot liquids!
- Adjust Consistency: After blending, check the soup's thickness. If it’s too thick for your liking, simply stir in additional vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh thyme. A few toasted pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch!
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.Enjoy making this heartwarming soup and savor every spoonful!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
