Curried Butternut Squash Soup

This recipe for Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a great way to get your yellow veggies and a little spice, too. When it comes to winter squash soup, I prefer the savory types over the ones that are sweetened with apple or pear. And, since I like curry, I knew I’d probably like this Indian-inspired soup.

Instead of peeling and cutting the squash into cubes, I used about 3 cups of roasted squash that I had made the day before (I cut the squash in half, roasted it in the oven until tender, scooped out the flesh, discarded the peel, proceeded with recipe). I added the roasted squash to the stockpot with the broth, curry and other ingredients, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Then I used an immersion blender to puree the soup. Next time, I’d let the soup cool then use my blender because the curry stained my white immersion blender yellow. Oh well!

I omitted the honey since I didn’t think the soup needed it, and seasoned it with salt and pepper. Drizzling a little yogurt or sour cream on top of each serving adds pizazz. If you want to keep the soup meatless but add a little protein, garbanzo beans are a nice addition.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

-recipe from foodnetwork.com

Serves: 4 servings

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 medium onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (2 1/2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste

2 tablespoons honey

4 teaspoons plain low-fat yogurt, for garnish

Heat oil over medium heat in a 6-quart stockpot. Add onions and garlic and saute until soft but not brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the butternut squash, broth, curry powder and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat stir in honey and puree with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender until smooth. Season with salt, to taste.

Ladle into serving bowls and add a dollop of yogurt.