Deborah Madisons Roasted Squash Pear And Ginger Soup Food

DEBORAH MADISON'S ROASTED SQUASH, PEAR, AND GINGER SOUP

Steps:

• 1. Preheat 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.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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.

ROASTED SQUASH, PEAR AND GINGER SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F Arrange the cut up squash and pears on a large roasting pan with most of the fresh ginger slices.
• Brush the mixture with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season with a bit of salt. Bake 1 hour or until tender, turn occasionally.
• Remove roasting pan from oven. Scrape the flesh from the squash and reserve the skin. You will need about 2 cups of squash skin.).
• Add 1 cup of water to the roasting pan and let sizzle. With a spatula, scrape up the browned bits. Transfer this mixture to a small bowl and reserve.
• In a pot bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the seeds, and then the squash skins, ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Reduce heat and simmer, pot covered, for 20-25 minutes.
• While the stock is simmering, in a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the remaining oil. Cook the onion until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Next add the pears, ginger, squash and the reserved deglazing liquid from the roasting pan.
• Strain the stock and add to the soup pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer about 25 minutes.
• Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
• Adjust seasoning and season with white pepper.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream if you wish.