Introduction
This Curry Butternut Squash Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food for crisp autumn days. The natural sweetness of roasted squash pairs beautifully with warming curry spices, creating a velvety smooth and deeply satisfying bowl. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive fall gathering. For more seasonal inspiration, try this Autumn Squash Soup – The Best Panera Copycat or browse our collection of Delicious Fall Soups: 15 Cozy Soup Recipes.
Ingredients
This creamy curry butternut squash soup combines sweet roasted squash with aromatic spices for a comforting, velvety texture and rich flavor.
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Timing
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
Context: This Curry Butternut Squash Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Roast the Squash
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the flesh is very tender and easily pierced with a fork. The edges should be lightly caramelized.
Let the squash cool until it’s safe to handle. Then, use a spoon to scoop the soft flesh away from the skin. Discard the skin.
Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in 2–3 cloves of minced garlic and 1–2 tablespoons of curry powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4 — Combine and Simmer
Add the roasted butternut squash flesh to the pot along with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Let the Curry Butternut Squash Soup simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5 — Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.
If using a countertop blender, be sure to vent the lid and cover it with a towel to prevent steam buildup and potential splatters.
Step 6 — Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
If the soup is too thick, stir in additional broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste the Curry Butternut Squash Soup and season with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne for heat if desired.
Step 7 — Finish and Serve
For a creamy finish, stir in a half cup of coconut milk or heavy cream. Heat through gently without boiling.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro, or toasted pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Protein Boost — Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chickpeas for a heartier, protein-rich curry butternut squash soup.
- Lower-Carb Option — Replace half the squash with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs while keeping a creamy texture.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess — Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream for a rich, lactose-free curry butternut squash soup.
- Gluten-Free Thickener — Replace flour with a cornstarch slurry or blended white beans to thicken without gluten.
- Low-Sodium Broth — Opt for homemade or no-salt-added vegetable broth to control sodium levels.
- Spice Control — Reduce or omit added salt and let fresh ginger, garlic, and curry powder provide flavor.
- Oil-Free Sauté — Use vegetable broth or water for sautéing onions and garlic to cut down on fat.
- Extra Veggies — Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with warm naan bread or crusty baguette for dipping
- Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of coconut cream
- Serve as an elegant starter for holiday dinners or fall gatherings
- Accompany with a crisp green apple and arugula salad
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- Present in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for festive autumn parties
This Curry Butternut Squash Soup makes a wonderful centerpiece for cozy weeknight meals or impressive enough for entertaining guests during cooler months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using pre-cut squash, which often lacks flavor and freshness. Fix: Roast a whole butternut squash to caramelize its natural sugars for a richer base.
- Mistake: Adding curry powder at the end, resulting in a raw, gritty taste. Fix: Bloom the curry spices in oil at the start to unlock their aromatic oils.
- Mistake: Over-blending hot soup, which can cause steam pressure to blow the lid. Fix: Allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in small, controlled batches.
- Mistake: Using only water as the liquid, creating a thin, bland Curry Butternut Squash Soup. Fix: Use vegetable or chicken broth to build a more complex, savory depth.
- Mistake: Skipping the roasting step for vegetables, leading to a flat flavor profile. Fix: Roast the squash and onions to develop a sweet, smoky foundation.
- Mistake: Adding dairy too early, which can cause curdling from high heat. Fix: Stir in coconut milk or cream off the heat just before serving.
- Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season in layers—when sautéing aromatics, after roasting, and again before serving.
- Mistake: Not balancing the sweetness of squash with acidity. Fix: Finish with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten the Curry Butternut Squash Soup.
- Mistake: Cooking the soup at a rolling boil, which can break down delicate textures. Fix: Simmer gently after blending to meld flavors without overcooking.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Cool soup completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F.
For best quality, refrigerate or freeze this Curry Butternut Squash Soup within 2 hours of cooking.
Conclusion
This Curry Butternut Squash Soup is a warming, flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments! For more seasonal inspiration, explore Hearty and comforting soups to make all fall and winter long.
PrintCurried Butternut Squash Soup
A soul-warming, flavorful soup perfect for fall and winter, infused with coconut milk and curry powder.
- Author: Unknown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
- Scoop the roasted squash flesh into a blender or food processor.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the roasted squash and coconut milk to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and blend in batches.
- Return the soup to the pot and heat over low heat until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
This soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly weather. It can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
FAQs
Can I make this Curry Butternut Squash Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen, making it even more delicious. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How can I adjust the spice level in the Curry Butternut Squash Soup?
You can easily control the heat. For a milder Curry Butternut Squash Soup, reduce the amount of curry powder or use a mild variety. For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad. For a heartier meal, top it with roasted chickpeas or a dollop of Greek yogurt to complement the creamy texture of the Curry Butternut Squash Soup.