Buttercup Squash
With all of the wonderful squash that are available at the Portland Farmer's Markets and grocery stores right now, there is not time like the present to experiment with some of the lesser known varieties.
This recipe for Buttercup Squash, Pear and Ginger Soup, courtesy of Vegetable Soups from Deborah Madison's Kitchen, is a simple way to experiment with this sweet and nutty variety. Be sure to fully caramelize the pears and squash as this is the key to bringing out the unique flavor of this oft overlooked squash. Served as first course, this soup is a perfect base to a big holiday meal- not too heavy but, full of complexity and rich texture.
- One 2 1/2-pound Buttercup, Perfection, or other dense winter squash, rinsed
- 3 ripe but firm pears, any variety, quartered, seeds and stems removed
- 1 chunk fresh ginger, about 2 inches long, thinly sliced
- Sunflower seed or olive oil for the squash
- Sea salt
- 2 tablespoons butter or sunflower seed oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream, optional
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.
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