BUTTERNUT SQUASH & PEAR SOUP

Butternut Squash & Pear Soup image

Pears give this harvest soup a pleasant sweetness and a nice velvety finish, while curry and ginger provide delightful flavor. -Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 2h

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 medium pears, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Optional: Balsamic vinegar and snipped chives

Steps:

Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 40-50 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly; scoop out flesh and set aside., In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the curry, garlic, ginger and salt; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, pears and squash. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Cool slightly., Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender until smooth. Return all to the pan; add cream and heat through. Top with balsamic vinegar and chives if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 527mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges