Soup, with its comforting warmth and diverse flavors, has the remarkable ability to transport us to different realms of culinary delight. In the realm of autumnal soups, one particular creation stands out as a harmonious symphony of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes—Pureed Maple Bacon and Chipotle Squash Soup.
Jump to RecipeThis delicious soup combines the earthy richness of squash, the sweetness of maple, the savory allure of bacon, and the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Follow along as I take you, step by step, in the preparation of this exceptional squash soup that captures the essence of fall in every spoonful!!
The Base: Buttery Smooth Squash
At the heart of this soup is the humble squash, a vegetable synonymous with the fall season. The sweetness and velvety texture of butternut or acorn squash serve as the canvas upon which the other flavors are artfully painted. The squash is roasted until tender, enhancing its natural sugars and lending a depth to the soup that is both satisfying and comforting.
The Sweet Elixir: Maple Magic
To balance the savory elements, pure maple syrup is introduced—a natural sweetener that adds complexity to the dish. The amber richness of the maple syrup complements the sweetness of the roasted squash, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds. The sweetness is not overpowering, but rather a subtle undertone that elevates the overall experience.
The Smoky Ensemble: Crispy Bacon
What’s a soup without a touch of savory indulgence? Enter bacon, the undisputed king of smoky, salty goodness. Crisped to perfection, bacon adds a delightful crunch to the velvety texture of the soup. Its smokiness intertwines with the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a delicious interplay of flavors. Each spoonful is a revelation—a marriage of textures and tastes that keeps you coming back for more.
The Fiery Finale: Chipotle Peppers
For those who appreciate a hint of heat, chipotle peppers make a bold entrance. Smoked and dried jalapeños, these peppers bring a distinct smokiness and a gradual, building heat to the soup. The chipotle’s spice is tempered by the sweetness of the maple syrup and the creaminess of the pureed squash, creating a well-balanced crescendo of flavors. The subtle burn on the palate becomes an integral part of the experience, adding a layer of complexity to the dish (this is the kind I use – it’s easy to find in most supermarkets)
Crafting the Symphony Of This Squash Soup!
Creating this squash soup is a culinary journey in itself. It begins with the careful selection and roasting of the squash, followed by the crisp rendering of bacon in a pan. The pure maple syrup is then drizzled over the roasted squash, infusing it with a sweet richness that transforms the dish. The bacon is crumbled and set aside, awaiting its moment to shine. As the squash and maple syrup meld into a velvety puree, chipotle peppers are introduced, and the magic begins to unfold.
The final act involves combining all the elements—pureed squash, maple syrup, and chipotle peppers—with a hearty broth, creating a luscious and well-balanced soup. The crispy bacon is sprinkled on top just before serving, providing the perfect textural contrast to the smoothness of the puree.
Serving and Savoring:
As the Pureed Maple Bacon and Chipotle Squash Soup is ladled into bowls, the aroma alone is enough to arouse anticipation. The first spoonful is a revelation—a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, savory, and spicy. The velvety texture of the squash puree caresses the palate, while the crunch of bacon adds a delightful surprise. The heat from the chipotle peppers lingers, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation.
Pairing Suggestions:
This soup pairs exceptionally well with crusty artisan bread or a warm, buttery roll. The crispy exterior of the bread provides a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup, while the buttery richness complements the sweet and savory notes. For a complete fall-inspired meal, consider serving this soup alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette!
Tips from my Blog You’ll Find Useful For This Sqush Soup:
Pureed Maple Bacon and Chipotle Squash Soup is not merely a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of fall in every spoonful. From the earthy sweetness of roasted squash to the smoky allure of bacon and the fiery kick of chipotle peppers, each element plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious culinary experience. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or showcased at a festive gathering, this soup is a celebration of autumn’s bounty and the artistry of combining diverse flavors into a truly remarkable dish.
Pureed Maple Bacon and Chipotle Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pepper squash or the neck of a butternut squash
- 4 rashers of bacon
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 rib of celery chopped
- 1 chipotle pepper diced
- 4-6 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp whipping cream optional
- maple syrup to taste
- salt and pepper
- maple flakes optional – available at the bulk barn
Instructions
- Prep (peel, de-seed and chop) your squash – I find butternut squash easier because it’s skin is smooth and easy to peel!
- In a soup pot, cook bacon until crisp; remove and add onion, celery and chipotle.
- Cook veggies until soft and a bit browned.
- Add you chicken stock to the pot (you can use homemade or when you run out – like I did – use a good quality organic brand).
- Add the squash and cook until soft (about 20 minutes).
- Puree the mixture and season with salt and pepper; splash it with the cream if using.
- To soften the heat from the chipotle, add about a tbsp of maple syrup…it really rounds out the flavour!!
- Serve with reserved bacon pieces and maple flakes.
