Red Kuri Squash Soup
This Red Kuri Squash Soup with Crispy Bacon and Slivered Almonds is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup perfect for the colder months. The naturally sweet, nutty flavor of the Japanese Red Kuri (or Kabocha) squash pairs beautifully with the savory, crispy bacon and crunchy toasted almonds. A splash of vegetable stock adds depth to the soup, which is then blended until smooth and velvety. Garnished with crispy bacon lardons and slivered almonds, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Optional crème fraîche adds a creamy finish, making this soup a delightful and hearty meal.
Servings: 8
Calories: 275kcal
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 8 cups vegetable stock
- 3 pounds Kuri/kabocha squash, cut horizontally in half, seeded
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 6 slices double smoked bacon, cut into lardons
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175ºC / 350ºF.
- Prepare the squash: Cut it in half and spoon out the seeds. Cut each half into 5 or 6 large pieces and place on a baking sheet. Brush with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake in pre-heated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until soft. Remove from the oven and let cool enough to handle. Place the almonds on a cookie sheet and toast them in the oven for a few minutes, or until golden.
- Cook the soup: When the squash is nearly done, sauté the bacon until crispy. Then, remove bacon with slotted spoon and reserve. Drain off and discard the fat except for about 2 teaspoons. Return the pot to medium heat and cook the onion for about 5 minutes, without browning. Add the vegetable stock, bring to a boil and let simmer. Scoop the squash out of its skin and add to the soup pot. Stir the chunky mixture to combine ingredients and let simmer a few minutes, adding more stock if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and serve the soup: Using an immersion hand-blender, blend until smooth and creamy. Reheat the bacon in the microwave. Serve in warm soup bowl. Garnish with teaspoon of crème fraîche in the middle (optional), and sprinkle the lardons and sliver almonds on top.
Cooking Tips for Red Kuri Squash Soup
- Maximize the Roasting Flavor
- Roasting the Red Kuri squash is essential for enhancing its natural sweetness and nutty flavor. To get the best results, don’t rush the roasting process. Let the squash roast long enough to caramelize slightly, which brings out a deeper, richer taste that will transform your soup. Moreover, this method intensifies the squash’s flavor, making it the star of the dish.
- Toast the Slivered Almonds for Extra Crunch
- Toast the slivered almonds to bring out their nutty aroma and add a satisfying crunch to the soup. While toasting, be careful not to burn them. Instead, monitor closely until they turn golden brown. This step helps to intensify the almonds’ flavor, and their texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy squash.
- Crisp the Bacon for Perfect Texture
- Crispy bacon lardons provide a savory contrast to the smooth, creamy soup. To ensure they crisp up perfectly, cook the bacon slowly over medium heat. Then, drain the excess fat to prevent your soup from becoming greasy. As a result, you’ll have perfectly crispy bacon to sprinkle over the soup for a delightful texture.
- Use an Immersion Blender for a Smooth Finish
- An immersion blender is ideal for achieving a smooth, velvety texture. If you don’t have one, use a regular blender, but be careful when blending hot liquids. After blending, the soup will have a creamy consistency, making it rich and comforting.
- Adjust the Consistency
- If the soup turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if you prefer a richer texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cream. This flexibility allows you to personalize the soup to your liking.
- Gradually Season for Balance
- As the soup simmers, taste it regularly and adjust the seasoning gradually. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. Additionally, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon enhances the squash’s sweetness, giving the soup an aromatic warmth.
- Make Ahead for Deeper Flavors
- This soup actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. For this reason, allow it to rest overnight in the fridge, and then gently reheat before serving. Moreover, this method allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious.
- Pair with Light Side Dishes
- To complement the richness of the soup, pair it with a fresh green salad, like arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish to Enhance Flavor
- Finally, garnishing the soup can elevate both the presentation and flavor. Try topping each bowl with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of crème fraîche. These additions bring extra richness and freshness.
- Consider Vegan Alternatives
- For a vegan version, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable stock. In addition, you can replace the bacon with roasted mushrooms or crispy chickpeas, which add texture and umami without the need for animal products.
These cooking tips will help you achieve the perfect Red Kuri Squash Soup every time, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your dish!
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