Deborah Madison's Roasted Squash, Pear, and Ginger Soup
Deborah Madison's Roasted Squash, Pear, and Ginger Soup is a flavorful Continental Global Delicacies dish prepared with quality ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionPreheat the oven to 425°F.
Cut the squash in half, scrape out the seeds, then cut each half into thirds.
Put the pieces in a large baking dish or roasting pan with the pears and all but a few slices of the ginger.
Brush with oil, season with salt, and bake until fragrant and tender, about 1 hour.
Turn the pieces once or twice so that they have a chance to caramelize on more than one surface.
If the squash seems very dry (some varieties are), add 1 cup water to the pan to create steam and cover with foil.
When the squash is tender, transfer everything from the pan to a cutting board, add 1 cup water to the pan, and scrape to dissolve the juices, reserving the liquid.
Scrape the flesh of the squash away from the skins.
You should have about 2 cups.
To make a stock, bring 6 cups water to a boil and add the seeds and, eventually,the squash skins, the remaining ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a soup pot.
Add the onion, give it a stir, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown a bit and is fragrant, about 10 minutes.
Add the pears, ginger, and squash, then the reserved deglazing water.
Strain the stock into the pot.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.
Cool briefly, then puree until smooth and pass through a food mill or strainer to ensure a silky texture.
Serve as is or swirl in the crème fraîche.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.