Tex-Mex Butternut Bisque

Butternut squash is a favorite autumn vegetable that is especially tasty in soups. I found this lovely recipe in the September 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine, and I really like the Tex-Mex flavors to this bisque. If you are a fan of Tex-Mex or if you are looking for something different when it comes to traditional squash soup, I encourage you to give this delightful bisque a try. Topped with crunchy vegetable chips for added flavor and great presentation, your friends and family will warm up to this Tex-Mex treat!

Bon Appetit!

Tips:

It is not recommended that you use fat free half and half. For the best results when making this bisque, please use regular half and half.

Soup may also be processed with a hand-held blender directly in the Dutch oven (a heavy 6 quart pot).

Preparation time is 15 minutes. Cook time is 30 minutes. Cool time is 15 minutes.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 medium-size sweet onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon, olive oil
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 (32 ounce) container low-sodium vegetable broth
1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles
3 (6-inch) fajita-size corn tortillas, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup half-and-half
Garnish: thinly sliced root vegetable chips

Directions:

Sauté onion and garlic in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Add squash, chili powder, cumin, and salt; cook 1 minute, and stir in the broth and green chiles. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until squash is fork-tender.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the tortilla pieces. Let cool 15 minutes. Process the mixture, in batches, in a blender or food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Return the squash mixture to the Dutch oven. Stir in half-and-half, and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Garnish, if desired. Serves 6.

Per serving (not including garnish): Calories 158; Fat 5.3 grams; Protein 3 grams; Carbohydrates 27.6 grams; Fiber 5.8 grams; Cholesterol 7 grams; Iron 1 milligram; Sodium 879 milligrams; Calcium 133 milligrams