Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
February 4th, 2013 | Author: Alysha
When it comes to winter produce, squash is where it’s at. This season, I’ve made Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, Roasted Acorn Squash with Mascarpone and Fig Jam, and my favorite: Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Gnocchi.
So when KitchenAid sent me their new 5-Speed Hand Blender to try out, I immediately thought of smoothies, soup, fresh salsa and squash.
As a cook with a smaller kitchen, I love appliances that can do double duty. This blender can do a whole lot more. From chopping nuts to whisking egg whites to blending my morning smoothie, the 5 attachments can tackle nearly every kitchen project. Not to mention, it comes in an adorable carry case that keeps everything together (and yes, only I would use the word adorable to describe anything kitchen related). Other features include:
- 5 Speeds
- 5 ft Power Cord
- 8″ (20.3 cm) Removable Stainless Steel Blending Arm
- BPA-free Blending Jar Material
- Blend, Puree, Chop, Shred, Mince Froth/Mix and Whisk/Emulsify/Aerate
- Clean and Store
- Easy Clean Up
- FIRST EVER Removable Pan Guard
- Hand Blender
- Industry’s First Interchangeable Stainless Steel Bell Blade Assemblies
- KitchenAid® Hand Blender
- KitchenAid® Hand Blender with Accessories
- Quiet, Powerful DC Motor
- S Blade
- Stainless Steel Frother Beater Bell Blade Assembly
- Stainless Steel Multipurpose Bell Blade Assembly
- Stainless Steel S Blade Bell Blade Assembly
- Storage Case
- The premium stainless steel blending attachment reaches an 8″ immersion depth
- The stainless steel whisk maximizes air in mixtures for fluffier egg whites and whipped cream
- Twist Lock Blending Arm
- 3 speeds provide greater processing control that adjusts to handle a variety of foods, beverages and soups
- Whisk Attachment
- 1 Liter Pitcher with Splash-Free Lid
- 1-Year Hassle Free Warranty
- 2.5 Cup Chopper
- DC Motor
- The stainless steel splashguard covers the blending blade to prevent splattering of ingredients
- Twist Lock Stainless Steel 8″ (20.3 cm) Blending Arm
To really test this hand blender out, I decided to create a new recipe. I love butternut squash soup, but I wanted to add a twist to it. Instead of adding the typical carrot/onion mixture, I wanted to infuse the soup with flavors of pear, ginger and nutmeg. I was going out on a limb with this one, but I love how it turned out.
One of my favorite features of the hand blender is that it comes with a pan guard so the blades don’t scratch your cookware. I also love the fact that I can control the speed. Our old immersion blender doesn’t even have an “on” button, so this is a major upgrade :)
Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
From She’s on the Run
Makes 4 main-dish (or 6 side-dish) servings
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
2 pears, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sliced, candied almonds, optional
In a dutch oven, cook squash in coconut oil over medium heat. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pears and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Turn off the heat.
Using the Kitchenaid hand blender, puree vegetables until smooth. Stir in ginger, nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Serve and garnish with candied almonds.
This soup will definitely make it into my lunch this week (and it’s even DietBet friendly!). Although it’s only been in the teens in Wisconsin with several inches of snow, I vow to make as much soup as a can before spring (which is our neck of the woods means May).
Disclaimer: KitchenAid sent me this hand blender for a review. I was not compensated in any other way and not under any contract to write about it. All opinions are my own.
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Ohh that soup looks perfect for a day like today!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan recently posted..Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Agreed. If there was ever the perfect soup weather, today would be it!
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
Love this twist on traditional butternut squash soup.
Karis’ Kitchen recently posted..Vegetarian Taco Stuffed Shells
Thanks, Karis!
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
Mmm looks delicious! I haven’t had squash in way too long and it’s certainly chilly enough for a nice, warm soup…
Brigitt @ Cook With B recently posted..Slow-Cooker Peppered Steak
This was the last squash from our 8-squash pile-up. I’m kinda glad we went through it all without having to throw any away!
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
impressive!! that’s part of the reason i love squash–it has such a good shelf life!
Brigitt @ Cook With B recently posted..Slow-Cooker Peppered Steak
Oh, I definitely need one of those. The soup looks incredible too!
Corrie Anne recently posted..We’re Going On A Trip To…
hand held blenders are freaking cool, I have always wanted to try one
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..MIMM: Mental Reminders
I had no idea they could do so many things!
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
OK first of all, I really want that blender!! Secondly- I love how creative you got with the soup!! It sounds absolutely delicious and a nice transition of flavors from the depth of winter into early (super early) spring!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca recently posted..Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
Thanks, Carol! Sometimes being create pays off in the kitchen. I’m glad this one did!
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
This soup sounds amazing! Those are some of my favorite flavors! I have a hand blender, but I’ve never used it, but I think now would be a good time :)
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie recently posted..Weekend Recap
Well, if you need any tips ;)
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
Goodness gracious, that’s a serious list of features! I feel like that blender could do my laundry and make my bed? ;)
That soup looks amazing, super smooth and creamy. Plus, ginger and pear is an awesome combo.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Snowy hikes, salads.
Maybe it could cut your hair :)
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
We got an immersion blender from the wedding and I have yet to use it. Maybe I’ll use this recipe!
Brittney @ Brittney Breathing recently posted..Vegan Banana Brownies
We used our old one all the time. Now I need to bum it off on someone!
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
Looks great, Alysha! I love the idea of combining squash with pear – what a delicious pairing!
Sun recently posted..I’m Not Racing a Spring Marathon
You know I like things on the sweeter side :)
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
I love my immersion wand. I use it ALL the time!
I have been all about ginger lately and can’t wait to try this soup. I will def make it when I get back into town : )
luv what you do recently posted..Plans With Megan and Jen
Awesome! I’d love to hear how it goes if you do!
Alysha recently posted..Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup
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I’ve been loving homemade soups the past 2 weeks! I made a chicken noodle (minus the noodles) and a thai curry inspired soup. This looks yummy, I have yet to cook any butternut squash, I need to put my big girl panties on and just buy one lol. And that hand blender looks awesome! Happy Saturday :D
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed recently posted..Grains, what’s the big deal anyway?
That soup looks SO good. If this rainy, dreary Sunday weren’t making me the laziest person ever today, I might even whip up a batch of it. Also, I don’t have an immersion blender. This is a problem I keep meaning to fix, but I never think of it until I see an awesome soup recipe like this one.
Trisha recently posted..24!
OH yum your soup looks amazing! They sent me one last fall… I use it every day!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama recently posted..Beer and Jack Chili Mac
Yummy!! I love anything butternut squashed, so a big bowl of it sounds incredible!! I love the photo too it came out beautifully!!!
Alissa N recently posted..Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie
Thanks, Alissa! You’re too sweet. My BF took the photo but I credit my expert styling abilities :)
Alysha recently posted..Dreamfarm Clongs and Chobs Giveaway!
THis soup looks great–perfect for winter. (And an immersion blender would be a great convenience for blended soups!)
THis soup looks great–perfect for winter. (And an immersion blender would be a great convenience for blended soups!)
[...] been on quite a kick lately), we’ve also made a venison loin with roasted vegetables, Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup and gumbo (to name a [...]