Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a delightful and heartwarming dish perfect for any season. This flavorful soup combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the aromatic spices of curry, creating a delicious and comforting meal. Originating from Indian cuisine, this recipe has been adapted and embraced worldwide, becoming a favorite in many households. Whether you are looking for a cozy dinner option or a starter for a special meal, this soup is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: 1 medium-sized, peeled and cubed
- Carrots: 2 large, peeled and chopped
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup
- Curry Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish
Optional Ingredients
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (for extra heat)
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (for a tangy twist)
- Greek Yogurt: For a creamy garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
- While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Spices and Broth
- Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and coriander, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Once the roasted butternut squash is ready, add it to the pot.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the coconut milk and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Roasting the Squash: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Blending: For a smoother texture, blend the soup in small batches to avoid any chunks.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of curry powder and omit the red pepper flakes.
Variations
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup BBC: For a traditional twist, follow the BBC recipe which often includes additional spices like turmeric and a touch of honey.
- Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut: Enhance the tropical flavor by adding more coconut milk and a hint of lime zest.
- Easy Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup: Simplify the recipe by using pre-cut butternut squash and ready-made curry paste.
- Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup Indian: Add garam masala and a pinch of turmeric for a more authentic Indian flavor.
- Carrot and Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk: Add more carrots and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 300% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 50% of the Daily Value
- Calcium: 10% of the Daily Value
- Iron: 15% of the Daily Value
Roasted and Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The combination of roasted squash, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk creates a delicious and comforting meal that will surely become a favorite. Try this recipe and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you tried in the comments below. For more delicious recipes, visit easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.