Smoky Butternut Bisque
on Jun 04, 2024, Updated Sep 17, 2024
This Smoky Butternut Bisque is a creamy, dairy-free, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and packed with delicious smoky goodness!
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, fabulous foodies! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy, here with a fantastic new recipe: Smoky Butternut Bisque. This recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite soups. When I’m not busy creating oil-free, refined sugar-free, and salt-free dishes, I’m interviewing incredible plant-based experts for my YouTube show. With my hectic schedule, I need recipes that are both nutritious and simple to prepare. This bisque fits the bill perfectly—it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and the perfect comforting dish.
This bisque combines the sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash with the smoky depth of smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder. The addition of pear halves and gluten-free oats adds a unique twist, making this soup creamy and slightly sweet. It’s a delicious combination that will warm you up and keep you coming back for more.
Key Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Provides a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture when pureed. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Onions: Adds a savory base flavor. Onions are high in vitamin C, B vitamins, and antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its robust, savory taste. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains compounds like allicin, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Pears: Adds a hint of natural sweetness. Pears are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Gluten-Free Oats: Provides a creamy texture without the need for dairy. Oats are high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the bisque. Paprika is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds a smoky heat. Chipotle chili powder is known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Adds creaminess without the use of dairy. Choose an unsweetened variety for the best results.
The Process
Place all ingredients except for the non-dairy milk in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Release the pressure and add the non-dairy milk.
Purée the bisque with an immersion blender right in the pot. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the bisque to a blender to purée it.
Chef’s Tips
- Sauté the onion in a small amount of water in the Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients. Use the Sauté setting and cook until translucent and slightly browned for added flavor.
- Butternut squash can be purchased already peeled and cubed in the produce or frozen section of many supermarkets. Fresh squash can be very hard to peel and cut.
- Keep jarred or canned pears on hand for this recipe. Be sure the pears are in their own juice and do not contain added sugar. If using fresh pears, they should be very ripe for the best flavor.
- For an even quicker preparation, heat the water in the Instant Pot beforehand.
- Save time by skipping the chopping of onions and garlic.
- Save old spice jars and use them to make spice blends for your favorite recipes. Be sure to label the jar.
How to Store Smoky Butternut Bisque
Store the bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container, this bisque will stay fresh for up to a week.
Yes, the bisque freezes very well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
Yes, you can use other types of winter squash like acorn or kabocha, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Smoked paprika adds a unique smoky flavor to the bisque, but you can substitute regular paprika if you prefer.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy Smoky Butternut Bisque as a comforting meal on its own or serve it over grains like brown rice, millet, quinoa, or wild rice. Top with your favorite garnishes such as finely chopped red onions, arugula, scallions, plant-based sour cream, or pico de gallo. For a perfect pairing, add a side like the Hail to the Kale Salad for a fantastic combination!
Summary
Smoky Butternut Bisque is a flavorful, nutritious, and creamy soup that’s perfect for any meal. Made with butternut squash, onions, garlic, pears, and a blend of spices, it’s a delightful dish that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot.
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
Smoky Butternut Bisque
Equipment
- Immersion blender
Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 10 ounces chopped onions, about 3 cups
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 cups water
- 4 pear halves
- ¼ cup gluten-free oats
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp Benson’s Table Tasty, or your favorite salt-free seasoning
- ⅛ tsp chipotle chili powder, or more to taste
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Sauté the onion in a small amount of water in the Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients. Use the Sauté setting and cook until translucent and slightly browned for added flavor.
- Place all ingredients except for the non-dairy milk in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Release the pressure and add the non-dairy milk.
- Purée the bisque with an immersion blender right in the pot. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the bisque to a blender to purée it.
How can this be made without an instant pot?
Hi Maureen! I would put everything in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours and then blend. Hope you enjoy!
I made the soup as Chef AJ instructed yes it’s very delicious and love soup.Thanks came out very tasty.Well done.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Very delicious I made it and came out very tasty.I love soups and this is my favorite recipe.
Yum!
This is absolutely delicious and incredibly easy. Adding to regular rotation.
Delicious as always