In all honesty, I think a serving size of 1/2 cup is insanely small for this delicious bisque. I serve it up a cup at a time for my family of three. I prepare the squash seeds in the toaster oven with a splash of canola oil and a dash of salt at a low setting, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly, while the squash is baking in the oven. In deference to my vegan daughter, I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This recipe serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1/3 cup finely chopped onions
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
3 medium size acorn squashes (about 3 pounds)
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
about 1 quart Basic Chicken Stock or low-sodium canned
2 tablespoons toasted acorn squash seeds (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Pierce the squashes several times and cook in the microwave on high power for 3 to 5 minutes until the shell softens. Cut the squashes in half, scoop out the seeds and reserve them for making the Toasted Squash Seeds. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes. Let cool. Reserve the juice on the baking sheet.
3. Scoop the pulp out of the squash skin with a spoon and set aside.
4. Heat the peanut oil in a deep saucepan over low heat. Add the onions, celery, thyme and bay leaf. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add the squash pulp and the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer until the onion and celery are completely tender, about 15 minutes.
7. After removing the bay leaf, puree the mixture in a blender, in batches, being careful not to overfill the blender.
8. Reheat the bisque. Add stock if it is too thick.
9. Serve hot, sprinkled with the toasted squash seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
Calories 137
Total Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Protein 3 g
Total Carbohydrate 28 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Sodium 119 mg
Percent Calories from Fat 19%
Percent Calories from Protein 7%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 74%
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Thanks Ardeth