Thanksgiving Pumpkin Bisque ๐
๐ Prep Time: 20 minutes
๐ Cook Time: 1 hour
๐ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings: 8
Description:
Transform your Thanksgiving table with this delightful Thanksgiving Pumpkin Bisque! Served elegantly in hollowed-out pumpkin shells, this bisque is a comforting addition to any fall meal. The warm flavors of pumpkin, spices, and cream will enchant your taste buds and warm your soul. Plus, it’s perfect for those chilly autumn evenings. Make it ahead and simply add the cream when you’re ready to serve for ultimate convenience and freshness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pumpkin, diced
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 4 onions, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the croutons:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- Seasoning salt to taste
Instructions:
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Simmer Pumpkin: In a large pot, simmer the diced pumpkin in chicken stock until soft and tender, about 25 minutes.
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Puree Pumpkin: Transfer the cooked pumpkin to a food processor and puree until smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the pumpkin puree to the pot with the chicken stock.
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Prepare Flavor Base: In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat until bubbling. Add minced onions and sautรฉ until they become clear. Then, add minced garlic and sautรฉ for an additional minute.
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Add Seasonings: Stir in salt, dried thyme, ground ginger, and brown sugar to the onion-garlic mixture in the skillet.
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Incorporate Mixture: Add the onion-garlic seasoning mixture to the simmering pumpkin and chicken stock. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and pepper to taste.
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Simmer: Allow the bisque to simmer uncovered for 25 minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and continue to heat for an additional 10 minutes.
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Prepare Croutons: In a separate skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add bread crumbs and toss quickly to coat and fry until golden brown.
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Season Croutons: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the bread crumbs with thyme, nutmeg, and seasoning salt. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
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Serve: Ladle the hot pumpkin bisque into bowls, and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of nutmeg-thyme croutons.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Thanksgiving Pumpkin Bisque as a starter or side dish at your holiday feast. Its rich taste and warm aroma will surely make it a seasonal favorite for years to come!
