The Thai butternut squash soup is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This recipe is a twist on the traditional butternut squash soup, adding a Thai influence with the use of red curry paste and coconut milk. The soup gets its sweet note from the butternut squash and brown sugar, while the curry paste and ginger add a spicy kick. The coconut milk brings a creamy and tropical touch, making this soup a comforting yet exotic dish.
The Thai red curry paste and coconut milk might not be commonly found in some households. These are crucial ingredients for this recipe, giving it its distinct Thai flavor. You can find them in the Asian aisle of most supermarkets or in an Asian grocery store. The honey roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro are used for garnish, adding crunch and freshness to the soup. If you have a hard time finding the honey-roasted variety, regular roasted peanuts would also work.
Ingredients for Thai Butternut Squash Soup
Olive oil: Used as a base to sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger.
Yellow onion: Gives the soup a sweet and savory depth.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.
Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
Thai red curry paste: Imparts a spicy and savory Thai flavor.
Chicken broth: Used as the liquid base of the soup.
Butternut squash: The star ingredient, butternut squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.
Salt: Season to taste to bring out the flavors.
Coconut milk: Gives the soup a creamy texture and a slight hint of coconut.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness that balances the rich and sweet flavors.
Honey roasted peanuts: Used as a garnish for an added crunch.
Fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Optional for those who prefer a spicier soup.
One reader, Abigale Butler says:
This Thai butternut squash soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the coconut milk adds a creamy richness. The hint of red curry paste gives it a delightful kick. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. Highly recommend!
Mastering the Techniques for Thai Butternut Squash Soup
How to sauté onions, garlic, and ginger: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
How to incorporate Thai red curry paste: After sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger, add the Thai red curry paste to the pot. Stir and sauté for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld and the paste to cook slightly.
How to puree the soup: Once the squash is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids and work in batches if necessary.
How to serve the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a swirl of coconut milk. Sprinkle with honey roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.
How To Make Thai Butternut Squash Soup
Put an Asian twist on hearty butternut squash soup by using Thai red curry paste and coconut milk. This creamy soup is full of flavor and peanut-topped!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1mediumyellow onion,chopped
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspginger,peeled and minced
- 1 ½tbspThai red curry paste
- 5cupschicken broth,low-sodium
- 2 ½lbsbutternut squash,peeled, seeded, and diced into ¾-inch cubes
- 1tbspbrown sugar
- salt
- 1cupcoconut milk,full fat, divided
- 1tbspfresh lime juice
- ½cuphoney roasted peanuts,or unsalted peanuts, chopped, for serving
- ¼cupfresh cilantro,chopped, for serving
- red pepper flakes,for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes then add garlic and ginger and saute for 1 minute.
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Add Thai red curry paste and saute for 1 more minute. Stir in chicken broth, while scrapping bottom of pan.
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Add squash and sugar and season with salt to taste.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15 to 20 minutes, until squash is very soft.
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Stir in ⅔ cup of coconut milk and lime juice. Puree soup with an immersion blender. Season with more salt as needed.
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Serve warm topping each serving with additional coconut milk, peanuts, cilantro, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- The soup can also be pureed in batches in a blender, filling it no more than half full and covering blender with lid and removing lids center insert and covering with a folded kitchen towel.
Nutrition
- Calories: 498.03kcal
- Fat: 22.61g
- Saturated Fat: 9.65g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.30g
- Carbohydrates: 69.86g
- Fiber: 11.29g
- Sugar: 16.19g
- Protein: 14.87g
- Cholesterol: 7.47mg
- Sodium: 1742.57mg
- Calcium: 262.47mg
- Potassium: 2089.17mg
- Iron: 5.86mg
- Vitamin A: 2430.68µg
- Vitamin C: 101.16mg
Elevate Your Thai Butternut Squash Soup with This Technique Tip
When pureeing the soup with an immersion blender, make sure to blend until the soup is completely smooth for the best texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can also use a regular blender. Just be sure to let the soup cool a bit before blending it, and blend in batches if necessary. Always be careful when blending hot liquids as they can splatter.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Thai Soup
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and tools before starting to cook to streamline the process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Use pre-cut squash: Save time by purchasing pre-cut butternut squash, or use frozen squash to skip the peeling and chopping step.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the toppings or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Invest in a good blender: A high-quality immersion blender can make the pureeing process quick and efficient, saving time and effort.
Make a double batch: Save time in the long run by making a larger batch and freezing the extra soup for future quick and easy meals.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients or cleaning up later.
Prep in advance: Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger ahead of time, or even make the soup a day in advance to save time on busy days.
Substitute Ingredients For Thai Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a rich and tropical flavor to the soup, complementing the Thai-inspired elements.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can be a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing the same aromatic and pungent flavor.
ginger - Substitute with lemongrass: Lemongrass can infuse the soup with a citrusy and herbal note, enhancing the Thai-inspired profile.
thai red curry paste - Substitute with sambal oelek: Sambal oelek, a chili paste, can bring a similar level of heat and depth of flavor to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative, providing a savory base for the soup.
butternut squash - Substitute with kabocha squash: Kabocha squash has a sweet and creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement for butternut squash.
brown sugar - Substitute with palm sugar: Palm sugar can impart a rich and caramel-like sweetness to the soup, enhancing its depth of flavor.
coconut milk - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can add a creamy and nutty element to the soup, similar to coconut milk.
lime juice - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet acidity, balancing the flavors in the soup.
honey roasted peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can offer a buttery and slightly sweet crunch, complementing the soup's texture and flavor.
cilantro - Substitute with Thai basil: Thai basil can contribute a fresh and aromatic herbal note, enhancing the overall Thai-inspired profile of the soup.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with dried Thai chilies: Dried Thai chilies can provide a similar level of heat and a distinct Thai flavor to the soup.
Elevate Your Soup Game with These Presentation Ideas
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring the vibrant color of the butternut squash is showcased. Use a circular motion to create a smooth surface, and ensure the edges of the bowl are clean.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the honey roasted peanuts in a line across the center of the soup, creating a visually appealing contrast in texture and flavor.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Place a small bunch of fresh cilantro on top of the peanuts, adding a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish.
Add a touch of heat: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the soup, creating a visually striking element and hinting at the bold flavors within.
Accent with coconut milk: Drizzle a small amount of coconut milk in a circular motion around the edge of the bowl, creating an elegant and creamy finish to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Thai Butternut Squash Soup
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly processing the butternut squash and other vegetables in this recipe.
Immersion blender: An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender, is a handheld kitchen tool used to blend ingredients directly in the pot or container. It's perfect for pureeing the soup to a smooth consistency without the need to transfer it to a traditional blender.
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup. It allows for the combination of ingredients and provides ample space for simmering the soup until the butternut squash is tender.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for cutting and dicing the butternut squash, onions, and other vegetables with precision.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients, ensuring that the countertops remain undamaged.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking, and using measuring cups and spoons helps ensure the right balance of flavors and ingredients in the soup.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent the ingredients from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the soup, allowing for easy and controlled portioning into bowls.
Soup bowls: Soup bowls are the serving vessels for the delicious Thai butternut squash soup, providing a comforting and visually appealing presentation for the dish.
Preserving the Flavors: Storing and Freezing Thai Butternut Squash Soup
- Let the thai butternut squash soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish the reheated soup with fresh cilantro, peanuts, and a drizzle of coconut milk before serving.
The Best Methods for Reheating Thai Butternut Squash Soup
Stovetop method: pour the leftover thai butternut squash soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. this method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. if the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: transfer the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large batch of leftover butternut squash soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. cover and let the soup warm up for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. this method is ideal if you want to reheat the soup for a larger group or keep it warm for an extended period.
Garnish and serve: once the thai butternut squash soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, chopped honey roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. these toppings will add a fresh burst of flavor and texture to the reheated soup, making it taste just as delicious as when it was first prepared.
Fascinating Facts About Thai Butternut Squash Soup
The Thai Butternut Squash Soup recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of butternut squash, Thai red curry paste, and coconut milk. This soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and vitamin C, making it a healthy choice for a comforting meal. Butternut squash is also low in fat and high in fiber, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, the combination of flavors in this soup creates a unique and satisfying taste experience.
Budget-Friendly Thai Soup: Is It Economical to Make at Home?
This Thai Butternut Squash Soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butternut squash, onion, and garlic, are affordable and readily available. The addition of coconut milk and Thai red curry paste may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15. The rich flavors and nutritional benefits of this soup make it a worthwhile investment. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Thai Soup Recipe Healthy?
This Thai butternut squash soup recipe is a nutritious and flavorful choice, offering several health benefits:
- Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health
- The soup incorporates healthy fats from olive oil and coconut milk, which aid in nutrient absorption and promote satiety
- Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties and may boost the immune system
- The recipe uses a moderate amount of brown sugar and includes natural sweetness from the squash
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to maximize its nutritional value:
- Opt for low-sodium or homemade chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat to decrease the saturated fat content without compromising flavor
- Increase the amount of ginger and garlic for added anti-inflammatory benefits
- Include more vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint for extra flavor and antioxidants
By making these simple adjustments, you can elevate the soup's nutritional profile while maintaining its delicious taste. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique spin on this comforting and wholesome dish.
Our Editor's Take on This Thai Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This Thai butternut squash soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of butternut squash, Thai red curry paste, and coconut milk creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of lime juice adds a refreshing zing. The honey roasted peanuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes add a pop of color and heat. Overall, this soup is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion.
Enhance Your Thai Butternut Squash Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Thai Butternut Squash Soup Recipe:
This Thai butternut squash soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The butternut squash brings a creamy, velvety texture, while the Thai red curry paste adds a punch of aromatic spices. The addition of coconut milk lends a rich and luxurious touch, perfectly complemented by the zing of fresh lime juice. This recipe's careful balance of sweet and savory, along with the aromatic blend of ginger and garlic, promises a delightful culinary experience. With the added crunch of honey roasted peanuts and the freshness of cilantro, this soup is a symphony of flavors that will surely impress your taste buds.
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