Alder Wood-Smoked Acorn Squash Soup

Name: Alder Wood-Smoked Acorn Squash Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 40 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 acorn squash, halved and seeded; 8 ounces sliced maple bacon; 1 cup butter; 1 quart chicken stock; 1 quart water; salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon cumin; 4 cups sour cream; 1 cup parsley; 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Submitted by ElizabethKnicely

"This is a very Pacific NW-American soup that once made, tastes better after a few days in the fridge. Make a lot because the smoking time is an hour or two. This recipe can be cut in half if need be."

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photo by ElizabethKnicely

Ready In:: 3hrs 10mins
Ingredients:: 12
Serves:: 10

ingredients

4 acorn squash, halved and seeded
8 ounces sliced maple bacon
1 cup butter
1 quart chicken stock
1 quart water
salt, to taste
1 tablespoon cumin
4 cups sour cream
1 cup parsley
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon paprika
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper

directions

Prepare charcoal for smoking: Light and wait for the gray ash to cover at least 90% of the coals. Place 3 pieces of split alder wood on the coals and wait about 10 minutes before reducing the air flow to make it burn slower.
Arrange the squash halves cut side down on the grill surface and close the lid. Slow smoke for 2 hours or less if you prefer them less smoky - as long as they are tender.
Place bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until brown and crisp; remove and drain on paper towels.
Once the squash are smoked, scoop the flesh out of the skins with a large spoon and transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth, adding butter and half of the water. Transfer to a soup pot and stir in the chicken broth and remaining water. Season with cumin, parsley and paprika; simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.
To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, a generous amount of crumbled bacon and cilantro. Dust lightly with cayenne pepper.