Ella Walter
Panera Bread's Autumn Squash Soup is a seasonal offering, available only in the fall when pumpkins are at their best. The soup is a blend of butternut squash, pumpkin, honey, apple juice, cinnamon, and other spices, and is topped with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, many food bloggers have attempted to recreate the soup at home, with some claiming to have achieved a very similar taste to the original.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Butternut squash, pumpkin, carrots, apple juice or cider, vegetable broth, cream, butter, cream cheese, spices |
| Seasonings | Cinnamon, curry powder, nutmeg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, honey |
| Toppings | Roasted pumpkin seeds |
| Type | Vegetarian, with a vegan alternative |
| Season | Autumn |
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What You'll Learn
Pumpkin puree
The puree is made from fresh, ripe pumpkins that have been cooked and mashed or blended into a smooth, thick consistency. This process can be done by roasting, boiling, or steaming the pumpkins and then pureeing them in a blender or food processor. It is important to avoid adding any additional ingredients or spices to the puree, as this could alter the final flavour of the soup.
To make the puree, pumpkins are selected for their sweet and creamy flesh. Varieties such as Sugar Pie, Baby Bear, or Cinderella pumpkins are ideal due to their smooth texture and rich flavour. The pumpkins are washed, halved, and seeded before being placed in the oven to roast until tender. Alternatively, boiling or steaming can be used to cook the pumpkin until soft.
Once cooked, the pumpkin flesh is scooped out and placed in a blender or food processor. It is then pureed until smooth, with no lumps remaining. Some recipes may call for the addition of a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help achieve the desired consistency. However, it is crucial not to add any sweeteners, spices, or other ingredients to the puree itself when making Panera Bread's Autumn Squash Soup.
The pumpkin puree provides a vibrant orange colour and a creamy texture to the soup. It also contributes to the overall flavour profile, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of taste that complements the other ingredients, such as butternut squash, carrots, and spices. The puree is a key component in achieving the signature autumnal vibes and cosy, comforting experience that Panera Bread's Autumn Squash Soup is known for.
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Roasted honey-cinnamon butternut squash
Panera Bread's Autumn Squash Soup is a seasonal favourite, available only in the fall when pumpkins and butternut squashes are at their best. The soup is a blend of roasted honey-cinnamon butternut squash, pumpkin, carrots, and apples, with a hint of cinnamon and other warm spices.
To make the roasted honey-cinnamon butternut squash, you will need:
- Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
Once the squash is roasted, it can be pureed and added to the soup pot along with the other ingredients. This soup is best served in a bread bowl, garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, or croutons.
For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of butter, cream, and sugar used. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like carrots to enhance the natural sweetness and achieve a beautiful colour. If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply blend it less; however, it is harder to make the soup thicker once it becomes too thin.
This roasted honey-cinnamon butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for chilly autumn days. Enjoy it with a side of toasted sourdough or French baguette for dipping!
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Spices and seasoning
The spices used in the soup include cinnamon, curry powder, nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide a sweet, warm flavour, while curry powder adds depth and a little heat. Onion and garlic powder provide a savoury, umami flavour.
Some recipes also include smoked paprika, sage, and pepper. The soup is garnished with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds, which add a savoury, salty contrast to the sweetness of the soup. Fresh herbs like sage or parsley can also be used as a garnish, providing a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
The soup is seasoned with salt, and pepper can also be added to taste. The saltiness of the soup is an important part of the flavour profile, balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin, apple, and spices.
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Garnishes
- Roasted pumpkin seeds: These can be roasted and salted, or simply roasted, to add a crunchy texture and a savoury note to the soup.
- Fresh herbs: Try chopping some fresh herbs, such as sage or parsley, to sprinkle on top of the soup. This will add a burst of freshness and a pop of colour.
- Croutons: For a heartier garnish, homemade croutons can be made or store-bought ones can be used. These will add a crunchy texture and a bread-like flavour to the soup.
- Parmesan: Shaved or grated parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top, adding a salty, savoury flavour.
- Cream: A drizzle of cream or coconut milk can be used as a garnish, adding a rich, velvety touch and enhancing the creaminess of the soup.
- Spices: A final dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added on top for extra warmth and a pop of colour.
Feel free to get creative with your garnishes, and don't be afraid to mix and match to find your favourite combinations!
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Apple juice or cider
The soup is made with a combination of pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, and apples, and the apple juice or cider enhances the natural sweetness of these ingredients. It also adds a depth of flavour that complements the squash. The recipe calls for two cups of apple cider, but apple juice can be used as a substitute if cider is unavailable. Apple juice concentrate is used in the original Panera recipe, but the natural sweetness of fresh apple juice will achieve a similar result.
The addition of apple juice or cider is what sets this soup apart and makes it so popular. It is described as silky-smooth and creamy, with a rich, indulgent flavour. The apple juice or cider is added during the cooking process, along with the squash, carrots, and vegetable broth, and brought to a boil before being simmered until the vegetables are tender.
The soup is then seasoned with spices, including cinnamon, curry powder, nutmeg, and garlic powder, and finished with a touch of cream and maple syrup. The result is a warm and cozy dish, perfect for chilly fall nights.
Some people find the soup to be very sweet, comparing it to baby food in texture and taste. However, others enjoy the combination of sweet and salty flavours, especially when the soup is garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients used in Panera Bread's Pumpkin Soup are olive oil, onion, butternut squash, carrots, vegetable broth, apple juice, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, curry powder, nutmeg, onion powder, garlic powder, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
To make Panera Bread's Pumpkin Soup, first heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. Next, add the butternut squash, carrots, vegetable broth, apple juice, and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the vegetables are tender. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and maple syrup until the cheese is melted.
Panera Bread's Pumpkin Soup is described as silky-smooth and creamy, with a rich and indulgent flavor. The soup is on the sweeter side, with a thick and salty consistency.
