Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This delicious and creamy butternut squash soup with coconut milk is packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. A touch of curry powder and roasted garlic adds a savory depth to the soup.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head garlic, halved crosswise
- 1 (3 ) pound butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 medium leek, white portion only, chopped
- 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder, or more to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Wrap each garlic half in foil and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Add the squash halves cut-side down to the sheet, along with the onion, leek, and ginger.
- Roast everything in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are golden and the squash skin is easily pierced with a fork.
- Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and scoop the squash flesh into a food processor or blender along with the roasted onion, leek, and ginger. Add 2 cups of chicken broth and pure everything until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
- Transfer the pured mixture to a soup pot and place it over medium heat. Add the remaining chicken broth, whisk in the coconut milk, curry powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 15 minutes until it's heated through and slightly thickened.
- Once done, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful soup!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Vitamin C | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 238 | 9g | 40g | 5g | 62mg | 4mg |
Additional Nutritional Information:
- Total Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (36% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 4mg (1% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 797mg (35% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Calcium: 166mg (13% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 1117mg (24% Daily Value)
Note: Nutritional values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary depending on your specific dietary requirements.
This delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Soup blends the natural sweetness of roasted squash with the warmth of curry powder, ginger, and the creaminess of coconut milk. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn day.
History and Origins
Butternut squash soup has its roots in the United States, especially in the colder regions where squash is grown abundantly. The practice of roasting squash to bring out its sweetness can be traced back to early American cooking traditions, where roasting vegetables was a common method of preparation. The addition of coconut milk and curry powder is a more modern twist, influenced by global culinary trends, particularly those from Southeast Asia. Coconut milk has been used in cooking for centuries in tropical regions, and its creamy texture complements the natural flavors of squash beautifully.
Regional Variations
In the United States, butternut squash soup is a popular dish during fall and winter, often served as a first course at Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. The basic version is simple, but different regions have put their own spin on it. In the Northeast, where the squash is commonly harvested, you might find the soup seasoned with herbs like sage and thyme. On the West Coast, a lighter version might include roasted garlic and a touch of lemon to brighten the flavors. The use of coconut milk and curry powder brings an international flair, commonly seen in dishes inspired by Indian or Thai cuisine.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Butternut squash soup stands out from other vegetable soups due to its velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor. Compared to pumpkin soup, which can be more earthy and savory, butternut squash has a smoother, more delicate sweetness. While many squash soups are served as a creamy puree, the use of coconut milk in this recipe sets it apart by giving the soup an exotic, tropical depth. Additionally, the inclusion of spices such as curry powder, cayenne, and ginger adds complexity, making it more flavorful than many traditional squash soups.
Where It's Typically Served
Roasted butternut squash soup is often found in restaurants that focus on seasonal or farm-to-table dishes. Its a comforting starter at many upscale bistros and is frequently featured at holiday gatherings and dinner parties. In many homes, its a go-to dish for fall and winter months, offering a warming, flavorful option for both weeknight dinners and festive meals. Youll also find variations of this soup served in cafes that specialize in vegetarian or plant-based cuisine.
Fun Facts
Did you know that butternut squash is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious? It's packed with vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health and immune function. The soup also benefits from the healthful properties of coconut milk, known for its high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a great source of energy. Additionally, butternut squash is part of the gourd family, and its origins trace back to the Americas, with varieties cultivated by Native American peoples long before European settlers arrived.
FAQ about Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Comments
Donna Martin
05/05/2024 03:14:47 PM
I absolutely adore this recipe! Like many have mentioned, simply tossing all the vegetables in for roasting makes it incredibly convenient - no tedious peeling of the squash required. This recipe is quite flexible; for instance, when I lack leeks, I just use extra onions, both red and brown. Even substituting fresh ginger with ginger powder still results in a tasty dish, though fresh ginger is preferred, of course. I've discovered that a splash of lemon juice is essential to enhance the flavors and elevate the dish to another level. Overall, it's a definite winner!
Samantha Campbell
08/29/2023 12:45:27 AM
I also included a teaspoon of cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg for delightful flavors. Next time, I'll chop my ginger into smaller pieces after roasting to avoid the immersion blender leaving chunks, but overall, this is the best recipe I've tried so far. It's a keeper!
Larry Torres
05/06/2023 03:34:02 PM
I enhanced the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon each of cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon, giving it a more autumnal taste. The dish turned out delicious!
Dorothy Nelson
12/23/2023 01:38:44 PM
The outcome was not satisfactory.
Helen Cruz
11/22/2023 03:28:50 PM
I was thoroughly impressed by this recipe. As someone with years of experience in both home and restaurant cooking, I usually like to add my own touch to recipes. However, this recipe was so perfect that I didn't feel the need to make any modifications. It turned out exceptionally well, and I regret not capturing a photo of the delicious outcome.
Dorothy Edwards
11/13/2023 02:39:20 AM
I enhanced the dish with a tablespoon or two of fiery red Thai curry paste, and my wife declared it the best she's ever tasted.
Brenda Ramirez
02/18/2025 02:53:32 AM
Simply amazing!
Kathleen Clark
09/16/2022 04:43:03 AM
Extremely simple and incredibly tasty. I topped off the bowls with thinly sliced Granny Smith apple pieces before serving.
Gary Parker
12/23/2024 01:24:17 AM
This was amazing! I accidentally forgot to roast the garlic, leek, and onions, but I quickly sautéed them instead to save time.
Debra Wilson
07/04/2024 05:04:53 PM
Super simple with just a few steps, but yields fantastic results. If you're new to prepping, plan for more than two hours from start to finish. Be aware that the dish has a prominent roasted garlic flavor, so consider using less if you're not a fan. Overall, I loved it and will definitely be making it again!
Donna Turner
04/13/2023 08:12:53 PM
Review rewritten: I found this soup to be incredibly tasty, despite my usual dislike for garlic. The leeks were cooked separately from the other vegetables, which allowed me to remove them before they overcooked. The recipe is straightforward and uncomplicated, which is definitely a bonus. The soup turned out to be rich and creamy, and surprisingly, no one in my family even realized it was made with coconut milk.
Joyce Mitchell
12/06/2023 01:22:14 PM
This recipe was amazing! It's so convenient to simply toss all the vegetables into the oven at once, making it incredibly easy to prepare.