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Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful soup that warms both your kitchen and your soul, this Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how it blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk. Whether you’re making dinner on a chilly evening or just craving something comforting and nourishing, you’ll find that this recipe ticks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and downright satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with a seasonal twist, making it easy to whip up anytime.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The curry and cinnamon create an irresistible warmth without overpowering the squash.
  • Creamy Texture: Coconut milk makes the soup silky smooth, perfect for cozy nights in.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Customize heat level, sweetness, and garnishes for your perfect bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe are carefully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, and creaminess. I like to use fresh shallots and quality curry powder because they really lift the flavors. Also, picking a ripe butternut squash is key—look for one that has a vibrant orange hue and feels heavy for its size.

Flat lay of bright orange butternut squash chunks with smooth skin and firm texture, small glossy shallots with purple skins and delicate layers, fresh garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small heap of golden curry powder with a fine texture, warm brown cinnamon powder in a soft pile, a creamy white can of coconut milk with a shiny surface, amber-colored maple syrup glistening in a small puddle, and a few vibrant green fresh pumpkin seeds with a matte finish, all arranged naturally with some overlapping and spaced thoughtfully to show color contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Curried Butternut Squash Soup, butternut squash soup, spicy squash soup, vegan butternut squash soup, cozy fall soups
  • Coconut or Avocado Oil: Both add a smooth base for sautéing; coconut oil adds subtle sweetness, avocado oil is neutral.
  • Shallots: They bring a delicate onion flavor that’s less overpowering than regular onions.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that unmistakable savory punch; minced fresh always wins over powders here.
  • Butternut Squash: Peeled and chopped for easy cooking; look for smaller squash as they tend to be sweeter.
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
  • Curry Powder: The hero spice – choose a blend you love, ideally one with turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch to add a warm depth and complement the curry.
  • Light Coconut Milk: Creamy but lighter than full-fat, balancing richness without heaviness.
  • Vegetable Broth: Use a good-quality broth or homemade for maximum flavor.
  • Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
  • Chili Garlic Paste (Optional): For those who like a little heat and extra complexity.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is—there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Sometimes I dial up the spice, other times I keep it mellow for family dinners. Changing up the toppings or adding a protein can completely transform the experience. Give it a try and see what you prefer!

  • Spicy Kick: I added extra chili garlic paste last winter, and it gave the soup a lovely warmth that the whole family enjoyed.
  • Dairy-Free Creaminess: Using coconut milk keeps it vegan and dairy-free without losing that smooth, rich texture.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked chickpeas or serve alongside spiced grilled chicken for a filling meal.
  • Seasonal Spin: Swap the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a slightly different autumn vibe.

How to Make Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating your pot over medium heat and add your chosen oil—coconut or avocado. Once shimmering, toss in the finely diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about two minutes, stirring often until they’re fragrant and translucent but not browned. This base step is where the soup starts to develop its lovely depth, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add and Spice the Butternut Squash

Next, add the chopped butternut squash into the pot. Season with sea salt, black pepper, curry powder, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir well to coat everything in the spices. Cover the pot and let the squash sweat for about four minutes, stirring once or twice. This quick cook helps infuse the squash with those warm curry flavors before we add liquids.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids and Sweetener

Now it’s time for the coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup (or coconut sugar), and if you’re feeling adventurous, a spoonful or two of chili garlic paste. Give it all a good stir and bring the pot to a low boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the butternut squash is fork-tender. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen—it’s one of my favorite parts of this recipe. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Purée and Adjust Seasoning

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup right in the pot until silky and smooth. If you don’t have one, blend it in batches using a countertop blender—just be careful with hot liquids and return soup to the pot. Taste and tweak the seasoning now; add more curry powder, salt, or sweetener as you prefer. Let it cook a few more minutes uncovered to bring it all together.

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Pro Tips for Making Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

  • Choosing Your Squash: I always pick butternut squash with a smooth, unblemished skin—no bruises or soft spots—because it yields the best flavor and texture.
  • Spice Balance: Adding cinnamon is my secret to rounding out the curry spices; it adds warmth without being sweet.
  • Blending Safely: If using a blender, cool the soup slightly before blending and fill the container only halfway to avoid spills from hot soup expansion.
  • Adjusting Sweetness: Taste before serving and add maple syrup gradually—you can always add more, but it’s hard to fix if it’s too sweet.

How to Serve Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

For me, garnishes turn a simple bowl of soup into something extra special. I love sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds on top—they add a beautiful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the soup’s creaminess. A swirl of full-fat coconut milk adds a lovely richness and looks pretty too. And if you like heat, a small dollop of chili garlic paste right in the center kicks things up a notch!

Side Dishes

This soup is fantastic with a side of warm crusty bread or naan for dipping. Sometimes I serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. For heartier meals, roasted chickpeas or spiced grilled chicken work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe in small, elegant cups as an appetizer. Topping each with a tiny sprig of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of herb oil instantly elevates the look. You can even swirl bright green pesto on top for a pop of color and flavor contrast that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so sometimes I find the next-day soup even better than fresh!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, and it reheats perfectly without losing its creamy texture.

Reheating

I reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir every minute or so to heat evenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular onions instead of shallots in this soup?

    Absolutely! Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor, but regular yellow onions work just fine. Just sauté them a bit longer until they soften and become fragrant.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

    Yes, it’s completely vegan as written, using vegetable broth and coconut milk. Just double-check your broth brand to ensure no animal products are included.

  3. How spicy is this Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe?

    The base recipe is mild and sweet with warmth from the curry, but if you add the optional chili garlic paste, it can get nicely spicy. You can adjust to your preferred heat level.

  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?

    Definitely! It stores and reheats well, so you can prepare it a day or two in advance to save time on the day of your event.

Final Thoughts

This Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both comforting and exciting flavor-wise. I encourage you to make it your own—experiment with spices, sweetness, and garnishes until it feels just right for you. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you turn to when you want a bowl of warmth and happiness. Give it a try and see how it brightens your dinner table!

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Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan, International
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish made with roasted butternut squash, aromatic curry powder, coconut milk, and warming spices. It’s a comforting vegan soup that’s perfect for chilly days and packs a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of full-fat coconut milk for an extra special touch.


Ingredients

Soup

  • 1 Tbsp coconut or avocado oil
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp or 6 g)
  • 6 cups peeled & chopped butternut squash (from 1 small butternut squash)
  • 1 pinch sea salt + 1 pinch black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (DIY or store-bought)
  • 1-3 Tbsp maple syrup (or substitute with coconut sugar)
  • 1-2 tsp chili garlic paste (optional)

For Serving (optional)

  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Chili garlic paste
  • Full-fat coconut milk


Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the coconut or avocado oil, diced shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to soften and release flavors without browning.
  2. Cook butternut squash with spices: Add the peeled and chopped butternut squash to the pot. Season with sea salt, black pepper, curry powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly coat the squash in the spices. Cover the pot and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Add liquids and sweetener: Pour in the light coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup (or coconut sugar), and if desired, the chili garlic paste for heat. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the butternut squash is fork-tender and soft.
  5. Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree on high until smooth. Carefully return the blended soup to the pot if using a blender.
  6. Adjust seasonings and finish cooking: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings by adding more curry powder, salt, or sweetener if desired. Allow the soup to cook a few more minutes on medium heat to meld the flavors.
  7. Serve with garnishes: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of full-fat coconut milk, or a spoonful of chili garlic paste for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm.
  8. Storage: Store any leftover soup in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

  • This soup is naturally vegan and dairy-free.
  • Adjust chili garlic paste quantity based on desired spice level or omit for a milder soup.
  • Can substitute light coconut milk with regular full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture.
  • Use fresh or homemade vegetable broth for best flavor.
  • Maple syrup adds a pleasant sweetness balancing the curry; coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • The soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or coconut milk when reheating if needed.
  • Use an immersion blender for ease and less cleanup, but a countertop blender works equally well.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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