Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque
Recipe Introduction: Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, this Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque is like that. It's a creamy butternut squash soup with a whisper of floral sweetness.
It's pure comfort! This dish really celebrates those beautiful winter outdoor flowers that pop up when everything else is looking a bit drab.
A Taste of History
Butternut squash soup has been around for ages, but adding floral honey is new! This recipe is also inspired by our article about the 10 Best Flowering Shrubs for your garden.
It's a super easy recipe that takes about an hour from start to finish. Makes enough for six hungry people.
Why You'll Love It
This bisque boasts a decent dose of Vitamin A from the squash. So, it's good for you. Serve it on a chilly evening.
It's perfect for a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in with Netflix. What makes it special? It’s the unexpected floral note that lifts it from standard to stellar!
Time to gather our ingredients, then we shall dive into making this Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque!
Ingredients & Equipment
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? This Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque is not just tasty but it honestly makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
It's like winter garden landscaping but in a bowl, and it's easier than you think. Let's get started!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for our amazing soup:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality extra virgin works best, you know?
- Yellow onion: 1 large , chopped (about 200g). Just your standard brown onion.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (6g). Fresh is always better, innit?
- Butternut squash: 2 lbs (900g), peeled, seeded, and cubed. Make sure it feels heavy for its size!
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (950ml). Chicken broth works too for extra richness.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml), optional. Makes it super lush!
- Fresh sage: 1/4 cup , chopped. A good handful is what you're after.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g).
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g). Freshly ground, obvs!
- Floral honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Honeysuckle or orange blossom honey adds a fab floral note.
- Edible flowers: As needed. Pansies and violas are pretty and safe to eat.
- Toasted pumpkin seeds: As needed. For that lovely crunch.
- Sour cream or crème fraîche: As needed, for dolloping.
Seasoning Notes
Right, so the seasoning is key here. We want a balance of earthy and sweet.
- Sage and butternut squash are a match made in heaven. Like bangers and mash, innit?
- Floral honey adds a touch of elegance, kinda like fragrant winter flowering shrubs in a winter garden.
- If you don't have fresh sage, dried will do in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon . Honestly though, fresh is better.
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy required!
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Gotta have somewhere to cook it all!
- Immersion blender or regular blender. Be careful blending hot liquids, yeah?
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Safety first!
So, there you have it! All the bits and bobs you need for this gorgeous Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque. It's like a little slice of Winter Landscape Design right in your kitchen.
Remember when I tried to make this the first time? I forgot the sage! It was still good, but the sage totally makes it.
Enjoy! When planning your landscape, consider including 10 Best Flowering Shrubs for a vibrant winter garden.
Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque: A Taste of Winter Garden Landscaping
Alright, let's get this show on the road! A hearty winter warmer is just what the doctor ordered. And what better way to celebrate these hardy bloomers than with a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious? Consider this my culinary ode to the tenacity of nature!
Especially when the Best Shrubs for Winter Color are doing their thing, it feels right to have something equally cheery on the dinner table.
Honestly, this soup is like hygge in a bowl. It’s got that "Downton Abbey" elegance meets Sunday roast coziness, you know?
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage
First things first, we need our mise en place . Chop the onion, mince the garlic. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
I know, peeling the squash can be a pain, but trust me, it's worth it. Everything else is a breeze!
To save time, you can chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Also, always remember the golden rule: Sharp knives are safe knives! Dull ones slip, so keep yours sharpened.
step-by-step to Butternut Bliss
- Sauté the aromatics . Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add 2 lbs of cubed butternut squash and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 25- 30 minutes .
- Carefully use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches - be careful with hot liquids!). Blend until smooth.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream (if using), 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat through, but don't boil.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of floral honey.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or sage as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with edible flowers, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Extra Flavour and Wow Factor
Roast the squash first! Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 25- 30 minutes .
This brings out so much more flavor. Trust me on this one!
Avoid over blending! Over blending can make the soup gummy. Blend until just smooth. Be gentle and don't beat the poor thing to death, alright?
For a vegan version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and maple syrup instead of honey.
Easy peasy! You know, Low Maintenance Winter Flowering Shrubs are the same way: adapt and thrive!
And there you have it! A blooming marvelous soup ready for a Winter Garden Landscape Design . Now go forth and create some culinary magic! Cheers, luv!
Right, let's chat about some extra bits for our Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque ! It's not just about the recipe, is it? It's about the whole experience.
Recipe Notes
Let's dive into some extra tips to really elevate this soup! I remember the first time I made butternut squash soup.
Honestly, it was a bit bland. These notes are all about avoiding that tragedy!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
Okay, so presentation is key. Think about those Best Shrubs for Winter Color – vibrant and eye-catching!
- Plating: Swirl a bit of cream or crème fraîche on top. A scattering of those edible flowers. A little goes a long way! Think minimalist chic.
- Sides: A chunky bit of sourdough is perfect for dunking! Consider a grilled cheese crouton for some extra warmth. This dish is as cozy as the perfect Winter Landscape Design .
Storage Savvy: Keepin' it Fresh!
Nobody wants soggy soup the next day. Let's sort that out.
- Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for 3-4 days . Honestly, it tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer: It freezes brilliantly! Portion it out, so you don't have to defrost the whole lot. Up to 3 months .
- Reheating: Gently heat on the stove. Stir to keep it smooth. Don't boil it! A microwave will do in a pinch, though.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a tweak? Let’s make it your own, innit? It’s nice to Winter Garden Landscaping for taste.
- Vegan Vibes: Swap cream for coconut milk. Trust me, it's delicious! And maple syrup for honey.
- Seasonal Swaps: Use pumpkin instead of squash in the autumn. Go crazy.
- Add a diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) along with the butternut squash for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl!
Let's be honest, it's mostly about the taste. But here's a little peek at the good stuff.
- Calories: Roughly 250 per serving . Not bad, eh?
- Key Benefits: Packed with vitamins and fibre. Good for your gut! Plus, it's warming in the Winter – perfect for cheering you up on those gloomy days.
Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment! Remember, cooking should be fun. Just think what are the 10 Best Flowering Shrubs for this recipe?
So there you have it! Go forth and make some magic. And don't forget to share your creations with me! I hope you enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque ahead of time? It sounds smashing, but I'm a bit of a busy bee!
Absolutely! This bisque is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Don't add the garnish until serving to prevent the soup becoming soggy!
I'm vegetarian/vegan. How can I adapt this recipe? I am a little strapped for ideas!
No worries, going veggie is a piece of cake with this recipe! Simply use vegetable broth, swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk or cashew cream (for a richer texture), and ensure your honey is either plant based or use maple syrup instead. Easy peasy!
What are the "10 Best Flowering Shrubs for" (in this case our Bisque) if I'm not a fan of sage? Any alternatives?
While we're celebrating hardy blooms, the sage is a key flavour, but feel free to experiment! Thyme or rosemary are excellent alternatives, just use half the amount as their flavour is more intense. You could also consider a pinch of dried marjoram.
If you are wanting to make it more floral, a pinch of lavender is also a great shout!
How can I store leftover Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque? My portions are a bit too generous!
Leftover bisque is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2 months), but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
It might become a little grainy due to the cream, but a quick blend can fix that right up!
I'm trying to watch my calorie intake; is there anything I can do to lighten this recipe up?
Of course! You can skip the heavy cream altogether or substitute it with a lower fat option like half and-half or even a splash of milk. Using water instead of the honey is also a lower calorie option, and helps to avoid the flavour being too strong.
Also, keep the garnishes light; a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds adds great texture without adding tons of calories.
My butternut squash is rock hard! Any tips for peeling it without needing a trip to A&E?
Ah, the dreaded butternut squash peel! Pop the whole squash in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin slightly this makes it much easier to peel. Alternatively, you can cut it in half lengthwise and roast it cut-side down until softened, then scoop out the flesh.
A sharp vegetable peeler is your best friend here!
Winter Bloom Blossom Bisque
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
