Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque Recipe: Ingredients and Tips

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Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque RecipeDiscover the comforting flavors of fall with our Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque. This dish combines the nutty sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the rich, savory taste of crawfish, creating a bisque that’s both hearty and elegant. Whether you’re new to the world of bisques or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try.

Bisques are traditionally smooth, creamy soups, typically made with seafood and pureed vegetables. The term “bisque” is derived from the French word “biscuit,” meaning “twice-cooked,” which refers to how the soup ingredients are roasted or sauteed before being simmered in a rich broth. Our Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque takes inspiration from this classic cooking method and elevates it with the addition of roasted acorn squash, adding a unique twist to a beloved tradition.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque, you will need:

  • 1 large acorn squash, halved and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound crawfish tails, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, dried or fresh
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create this savory bisque.

  1. Roast the Acorn Squash:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Drizzle the acorn squash halves with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
    • Place the squash halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Roast in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and caramelized.
    • Once cooled, scoop out the roasted squash flesh and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Crawfish:
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Create the Bisque Base:
    • Add the roasted acorn squash, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf to the pot.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Blend and Add Crawfish:
    • Remove the bay leaf and carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and crawfish tails, and simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until the crawfish is cooked through.
  5. Season and Serve:
    • Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    • Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

  • Thickening the Bisque: If you prefer a thicker bisque, add a peeled and cubed potato to the soup base before simmering. The potato will break down and naturally thicken the bisque as it cooks.
  • Cutting Acorn Squash: For easy handling, microwave the acorn squash for a minute to soften the skin, making it easier to cut and scoop out the seeds.
  • Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk. If crawfish is unavailable, substitute with shrimp or crab for a similar seafood flavor.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker, except the crawfish and cream, and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Blend the soup, then stir in the crawfish and cream, cooking for another 30 minutes until the crawfish is done.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque (approximately 1 cup) provides:

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g

This Roasted Acorn Squash and Crawfish Bisque is more than just a soup; it’s a warm, inviting meal that embodies the flavors of fall. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this bisque will be a hit. Try it out and share your experience with us in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, explore other comforting dishes on EasyCrispyRecipes.com, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

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