Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

A creamy warm bisque of roasted butternut squash and coconut cream garnished with a swirl of cashew cream and spicy chipotle toasted pecans. Great for a vegan, jain, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free meal. Nuts are optional as garnishment.

Servings: 2 - 4

Prep Time: 45 - 60 mins

Ingredients:

For Bisque:

1 med butternut squash (about 2 Cups diced)

1 can coconut cream (5.4 oz)

live oil for coating- salt to taste

water as necessary

For Cashew Cream:

1/4 cup cashews (soaked for three hours)

salt to taste

water as needed

For Toasted Pecans:

3 pecan halves per person

1 tsp chipotle chili powder (or any smoky pepper)

Directions

Preparing the bisque

1. Dice butternut squash into small even cubes.

2. Toss cubes in salt and olive oil till lightly coated.

3. Roast the diced butternut squash in a preheated oven at 400F for 15-20 mins until fork tender (till a fork slides through easily) and slight caramelization (a tinge of browning of edges of cube).

4. Blend in a high speed blender with coconut cream.

5. Add water as necessary to thin for blending and get to desired consistency.

6. Heat bisque before serving and simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Thin again with water if desired.

Preparing the cashew cream

1. Blend cashews in high speed blender adding water 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary till a thick batter-like consistency is achieved.