An inviting recipe that you can make effortlessly in your slow cooker or crockpot is this Delicata Squash and Pear Soup that you can enjoy for cozy evenings, made with delicata squash, pears, a small onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. This velvety Delicata Squash and Pear Soup recipe is a warm and wholesome meal that takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

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Recipe Ingredients

• 1 medium delicata squash or other winter squash (about 20 oz or 570 g)
• 2 medium pears (about 9 oz or 250 g each) or substitute with apples
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 3.5 oz or 100 g)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 0.1 oz or 3 g)
• 4 cups (940 ml) water, plus more if needed
• 2 tablespoons (12 g) chicken-flavored bouillon
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) port or red wine
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Finely chopped pistachios, for garnish
• Minced fresh thyme, for garnish

How To Make Delicata Squash and Pear Soup In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the Squash and Pears: Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Peel the skin using a vegetable peeler, then chop the squash flesh into small cubes. Peel and core the pears, and chop them into pieces. Toss the chopped pears with lemon juice in a small bowl to keep them from browning.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the chopped squash, pears, onion, garlic, water, bouillon, port or red wine, thyme sprig, and rosemary sprig. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything evenly. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the squash is tender and the flavors are well combined.
3. Remove the Herbs: After cooking, carefully remove the thyme and rosemary sprigs from the soup to avoid blending them later. They will have imparted their flavors during the cooking process.
4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup in the slow cooker until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If using a countertop blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches, blending each until smooth. Return the blended soup to the slow cooker and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Adjust Consistency: Check the consistency of the soup. If it is too thick, add a little more water and stir well until you reach your desired thickness. Let it heat for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios and a pinch of minced fresh thyme. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy, flavorful squash and pear soup!

Recipe Tips

• Add some coconut milk: Stir in half a cup of full-fat coconut milk during the final blending step for a creamier, slightly tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pears and delicata squash.
• Include a touch of heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker for a subtle kick, which can elevate the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Garnish with roasted seeds: For a crunchy topping, roast the delicata squash seeds with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Sprinkle them over each bowl just before serving for a delightful texture.
• Make it vegan: Swap the chicken-flavored bouillon with vegetable broth to make this recipe fully vegan-friendly. It maintains a rich, savory taste without compromising on depth or umami.
• Use apple instead of pear: If pears are unavailable, apples can easily replace them, adding a similar sweetness and texture. Opt for a variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best results.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Slow Cooker Pumpkin Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Perfect Pumpkin Puree
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup With Canned Pumpkin
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding