Delicata Squash Soup

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush cut sides of squash evenly with 1 tablespoon oil. Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Using a spoon, remove the squash flesh from the shells; transfer to a medium bowl, along with any drippings from the baking sheet. (Discard the squash shells.)

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic and cumin; cook, stirring often, until tender and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the roasted squash-dripping mixture, broth, water and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until the squash is very tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Using an immersion blender, process the soup in the pot until smooth with no chunks remaining, 1 to 2 minutes. (Use caution when blending hot liquids. Alternatively, pour half the soup into a blender. Secure the lid on the blender and remove the center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over the opening. Process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a clean saucepan. Repeat the process with the remaining soup.)

To serve, ladle 1 cup soup into each of 8 bowls; swirl 1/2 tablespoon pesto into each soup. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon pistachios.