Montreal Gazette

Warm bisque perfect for fall supper

Hearty vegetable soup can go vegan or get a helping of pulled pork

- ALISON LAD MAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

There is something so perfect, so satisfying about a bowl of warm squash bisque on a cool fall evening. And it is such a versatile dish, it is easily doctored in so many ways.

Using that blend of versatilit­y and comfort as our inspiratio­n, we created a fast and easy squash bisque that becomes a base for whatever autumn flavours you are craving.

You could, of course, keep it basic and simply top this bisque with a dollop of sour cream. But we also suggest several variations of toppings, including shrimp, bacon and pulled pork.

You also could make the bisque vegan by substituti­ng vegetable broth for the chicken broth and almond or soy creamer for the heavy cream.

Caramelize­d Onion and Squash Bisque

Serves 8

2 tablespoon­s vegetable oil 2 large sweet onions, diced 2 medium shallots, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence 2 tablespoon­s apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 pounds cubed, peeled butternut squash 3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream Ground black pepper

In a large saucepan over medium- high, heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions, shallots, salt and herbs, then sauté for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and brown, about another 20 minutes.

Add the vinegar and deglaze the pan. Add the squash and 3 cups of the broth, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the squash is completely tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and purée until smooth. Alternativ­ely, purée the soup in the pot using an immersion blender. Either way, take care when blending hot liquids.

Return the bisque to the heat and stir in the cream. If a thinner bisque is desired, thin the soup with the remaining cup of broth. Heat until just hot. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, finish with any of the following: Spiced shrimp and scallions Toss 12 oz. (340 g) of small cooked shrimp with 1 teaspoon five-spice powder. Top with sliced scallions. Asiago and apple Stir 2 finely diced apples into the bisque, then bring back to a simmer. Top with shredded Asiago cheese. Barbecued pulled pork Stir together 2 cups of shredded/ pulled cooked pork with 1/3 cup barbecue sauce. Top the soup first with the pork, then a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro. Two corn and herbs Cook 1 cup of thawed frozen corn kernels on high in a skillet with 1 tbsp. of oil until lightly browned. Stir the kernels into the bisque along with 2 tbsp. each of chopped fresh tarragon, thyme and chives. Finish by topping the bisque with salted, buttered popcorn. Maple bacon blue Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled crisped bacon and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.

 ?? MATTHEW MEAD / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? Caramelize­d onion and squash bisque is a warm and satisfying fall meal that can be topped in numerous ways.
MATTHEW MEAD / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Caramelize­d onion and squash bisque is a warm and satisfying fall meal that can be topped in numerous ways.

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