Our Curry-Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash soup delivers warming notes of cinnamon and ginger, balancing the bright accents of coriander and cardamom.
Though roasted butternut squash is still the main attraction, coconut milk and turmeric are like an old friend to curry lovers, delivering a comforting, creamy finish.
Curry-Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash & Curry-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is a twofer. These two recipes can be meshed into one or enjoyed separately, ultimately inviting you to experiment a little.
We start with curry-spiced roasted butternut squash, which we like to serve as a side dish all on its own, or quickly turn into soup.
For this recipe, I wanted a curry flavor without much spice.
I know, for some curry without spice would be unthinkable because that is the whole point of eating curry—for the fire in the hole effect—and you just couldn’t imagine it any other way.
If that’s you, a hit of crushed red pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne is your go-to.
Make Your Own Curry Spice Mix
The beauty of making your own curry spice from a collection of individual spices gives you the power to highlight the spices you like and minimize those you do not.
- Enhance the playful sweetness of the butternut squash by adding a little more cinnamon.
- Kick up the coriander and ginger to accent its natural earthiness with floral notes.
- Add a pinch of cayenne and more turmeric if, in your book, ‘curry has to have heat.’
Roasting the spices with the squash adds a subtle complexity to the soup where more of the same spice mix is added until it is curry-spiced just the way you like it.
Check out our curry chicken recipe for more details about what to expect from each spice and easily customize your own curry spices.
Garnishes: The Secret to Making Good Soup Great
The texture is as important as the flavor of any dish, which is why garnishes elevate simple meals to a new level.
The bite of radish and earthy kale brings freshness, while the crisp prosciutto adds an extra touch of salt to enhance every flavor layered into this butternut soup.
Other garnishes to try with curry soups:
- toasted pepitas or sesame seeds
- feta or cotija cheese
- bacon crumbles
- chimichurri
- basil pesto
- sour cream
- toasted coconut
- chopped cilantro or parsley
- crunchy chow mein noodles
- croutons
- fried onions
- pickled red onions
Wondering how to peel butternut squash? Check out this video from Simply Recipes, or look for the 2 lb container of peeled and cubed butternut squash at Costco while seasonal supplies last!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Already gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting vegetable stock and eliminating the prosciutto and butter.
- Like any soup, this recipe will be slightly different if using store-bought curry powder.
- An extra note about leeks: The best way to wash all the dirt and sand out of leeks is to chop them before washing them, then use your fingers to separate the smaller pieces while running cold water over the leeks to rinse them well.
More Soup Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
- Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Soup
- Seafood Chowder
- Salmon Dill Chowder
- Hearty Pulled Pork & Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Curry-Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash , (about 2 lbs) cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- butter , for garnish if served as a side dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash with coconut oil in a large mixing bowl until well coated. Mix spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle the spice mix over butternut squash and toss to coat the squash.
- Spread squash on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, or until squash is fork tender and lightly browned in spots. Stir once or twice while roasting.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a shallow bowl, toss with salt and pepper as desired. Top with a couple pads of butter and serve hot.
Nutrition
Curry-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
For the Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 slices prosciutto or bacon , chopped and browned
- 3 radishes , sliced thin
- 2 large kale leaves , tender part of leaf chopped
Spice Mix:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Soup:
- 4 cups Curry-Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- 3/4 cup chopped leeks , white and light green part (thoroughly rinsed)
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoon fresh ginger , minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Curry-Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe. While squash is roasting, brown prosciutto in olive oil over medium-low heat until crisp. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and set aside with other prepared garnishes. Prepare spice mix.
- In the same skillet the prosciutto was cooked in, add leeks and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until leeks are softened and beginning to brown at the edges. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook until garlic and ginger are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock to the skillet and stir to loosen any browned bits as stock comes to a simmer (adjust heat back to medium if necessary).
- Pour contents of skillet into a 3-4 quart pot, add butternut squash, coconut milk, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste soup and add spice mix as needed to suit your taste.
- Now is the time to mash, puree, or blend the soup to desired consistency. Our preferred texture is mostly smooth with a few small pieces of squash, so I use a hand held immersion blender right in the pot, though you can use a blender, potato masher, or food processor to accomplish the results you desire. If removing the soup from the pot, do so carefully. Once the consistency is right, return the soup to the pot and bring back to a simmer, adjust spice, salt, and pepper to suit your taste just before serving. More stock or coconut milk can be added to thin soup as well.
- Divide into bowls and garnish with crisp prosciutto, radish, and kale. Serve hot.
Notes
- Note: Already free from gluten and dairy, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian or vegan with the substitution of vegetable stock and eliminating the prosciutto and butter.
- Like any soup, this recipe will be slightly different if using less butternut squash than the 4 cups indicated or a store-bought curry powder.
- An extra note about leeks: The best way to wash all the dirt and sand out of leeks is to chop them before washing them, then use your fingers to separate the smaller pieces while running cold water over the leeks to rinse them well.
Mary says
Wow this is amazing! Next time I make the soup I’ll definitely make extra squash too–it is so good! Thanks Judy!!
Judy Purcell says
Hi Mary! I am so delighted you enjoyed the soup! And thank you for taking the time to stop back by to say so — that makes my day. 🙂
Harry says
We love curry so I know we’ll love this soup.
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
I like both ways of serving this wonderful curry-spiced roasted butternut squash, as a side dish or as soup. I love the spices you have used, and the ideas you have shared for how to tweak this recipe to highlight our favourites. I think I might just make a double batch of the roasted squash so I can enjoy it both ways 🙂
-h (@tastebuds) says
I am a huge fan of this type of soup. I like what you did with the toppings on it. I bet it gives an extra punch to make the soup even better. Just so happens I have a butternut sitting on my counter.
-h
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
Love this soup Judy and the addition of kale, radish, and prosciutto on top sounds like the perfect dish right now.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Nancy@acommunaltable says
Fabulous combination – curry and butternut squash!! Lately I’ve been researching curries and the incredible range of spices used in different mixes is amazing – I think it would take me at least a year to try them all!!
Judy Purcell says
I agree, Nancy, and that would be one tasty year!
mjskit says
Judy – both of these recipes are mouthwatering delicious! I totally agree that making your own curry right in the dish is the best way to go. Your choices, selections and proportions of spices look perfect! I definitely have to give the roasted squash a try. Thanks for these two recipes!
ChgoJohn says
Two great recipes and some much-needed lessons on curry preparation. Today’s post, as well as your chicken & beef curry posts, have all been pinned. I’ve no idea which I’ll try first but when I get to the butternut squash, I’m heading to Costco. 🙂
Thanks, Judy, for a great series of posts!
Judy Purcell says
The butternut squash already prepared makes it a cinch for sure. Based on your own recipes, John, I think you have an appreciation for fresh, straightforward ingredients so I think you’ll like this a lot. 🙂
peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I am more of a soup girl, so I would probably be draw to the soup more that the Roasted Butternut squash…
Judy Purcell says
Hi Peachy, if you like soup, you’ll really enjoy the smooth comfort of this simple soup. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, have a great Valentine’s Day!
betsyb says
Brilliant. I hadn’t thought of curry with butternut squash and now I can’t imagine why! I love that it’s a two for one recipe/idea!
Judy Purcell says
I know what you mean, I love eureka moments that open a world of possibilities like that! Have a great weekend, Betsy. 🙂
john@kitchenriffs says
This looks delish. I’ve had curries that weren’t spicy hot at all (although of course they included plenty of spices – just no chile). Squash of any kind works well in curries, and butternut is particularly nice, I think. Really nice – thanks so much.
Judy Purcell says
Thanks John, I too have had curries that didn’t emphasis heat, but I’ve had several people mention to me they stay away from curry because of a bad experience or the perception they are always spicy. I agree, butternut squash marries nicely with curry. 🙂
Raymund says
The roasting, spices, proscuitto and sweetness of the butternut is an explosion of flavours. I can imagine the first spoonfull of that soup will be really exciting
Judy Purcell says
Yes, it is Raymund, and all the way to the bottom of the bowl is a discovery of each flavor. 🙂