Autumnal Acorn Squash & Pear Soup with Adzuki Beans and Sesame Shiitakes

1. Sauté Onions and Peppers

Start by heating two tablespoons of peanut oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and red bell pepper, and sauté them for about ten minutes until the onions begin to brown and caramelize, enhancing their sweetness.

2. Add Aromatics and Spices

Next, add the minced ginger and garlic to the pot, stirring them into the onions and peppers for about a minute until they release their fragrant aroma. Sprinkle in the salt and Chinese five-spice powder, then add the chunks of acorn squash and sliced Bartlett pears. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute.

3. Simmer the Soup

Pour in the four cups of vegetable stock, covering the vegetables and fruit. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about twenty minutes, until the squash is tender and the flavors have melded together.

4. Puree the Soup

Once the squash is tender, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer half the soup to a food processor or blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot. This step creates a creamy texture without the need for any cream.

5. Add Beans and Lime Juice

Add the drained and rinsed adzuki beans along with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the soup. Cover and let it simmer for another seven to ten minutes.

6. Prepare the Mushrooms

While the soup is simmering, prepare the mushrooms. Heat two teaspoons of peanut oil and half a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté them for about seven minutes, until they become soft. Stir in the soy sauce, which will add a rich umami flavor to the mushrooms.

7. Serve the Soup

Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the sautéed mushrooms. Enjoy the delightful blend of autumn flavors in your Autumnal Acorn Squash & Pear Soup with Adzuki Beans and Sesame Shiitakes!