Smoked acorn squash & wild rice bisque

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
4eaches1-pound acorn squash; halved amd seeded
1tablespoonCanola oil
8ouncesOnion; coarsely chopped (1-3/4 cups)
1eachStalk celery; chopped (1/2c)
2clovesGarlic; minced
2teaspoonsFresh thyme; chopped -or-
½teaspoonDried thyme
2teaspoonsFresh sage; chopped -or-
¼teaspoonDried, rubbed sage
1teaspoonCrushed red chile flakes
4cupsChicken stock
¼cupHeavy cream (optional)
1cupWild rice; cooked
Salt and lemon juice to taste

Directions

: If desired, smoke 4 of the squash halves for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F. Line shallow baking pan with foil.

: Remove squash from smoker. Arrange with remaining squash halves, cut side down, in pan.

: Bake at 350F for 1 hour or until soft. Scoop out pulp and set aside. : Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute onion and celery in hot oil until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, sage, and chili flakes. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes.

: Add squash pulp and chicken stock. Mix well. Bring to boiling.

Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

: Puree in blender in several batches, blending until smooth.

Return to same pot.

: Stir in cream and wild rice. Add salt and lemon juice to taste.

Serve at once in warm bowls. Yield: 6 to 8 servings. "Victoria" Magazine, December, 1995