Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Pear And Bacon Soup

Welcome to another delicious creation on easycrispyrecipes.com! Today, we are diving into a recipe that is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Pear And Bacon Soup. This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash, the crispness of pears, and the smoky richness of bacon, all brought together with a spicy kick. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this hearty soup. Here’s a detailed list:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cubed
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the Butternut Squash and Pears:
   • On a large baking sheet, spread out the cubed butternut squash and pears.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
   • Toss to coat evenly and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Aromatics

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
   • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the Roasted Squash and Pears:
   • Once the squash and pears are roasted, add them to the pot with the onions and garlic.
2. Add the Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend until Smooth:
   • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
   • Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Step 5: Add Cream and Bacon

1. Stir in the Cream:
   • Return the blended soup to the pot if using a blender and stir in the heavy cream.
   • Add the crispy bacon back into the pot, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
2. Season to Taste:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, spicy flavors.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for added depth and nutrition.
• Sheet Pan Variation: For a sheet pan version, roast all the vegetables together and blend them with broth directly on the sheet pan before transferring to a pot to heat through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion

There you have it—a deliciously Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Pear And Bacon Soup that’s perfect for any season. The combination of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors makes this soup a standout dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Be sure to share your experience with this recipe in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on social media. If you loved this recipe, subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes from easycrispyrecipes.com.