This coconut squash soup is warm, velvety, and packed with layered flavor, blending roasted squash with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Lemongrass, garlic, and Thai chilis add depth and a subtle kick, while lime and fish sauce bring a bright balance of sweet, sour, and savory. The cumin yogurt and toasted seeds on top add a cool, crunchy contrast to the smooth soup. Itβs a comforting yet vibrant dish that feels both nourishing and a little elevated.
Roasted Squash Coconut Soup with Cumin Yogurt
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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For the Soup
- 2 pounds kabocha, butternut, or honeynut squash, cubed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
- 1β2 Thai chilis, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can low-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)
- 2β4 teaspoons fish sauce, to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Neutral oil, as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
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For the Cumin Yogurt & Garnish
- 1/4 cup coconut yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds, toasted
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Roast the squash: Preheat oven to 400Β°F and line a baking sheet. Toss squash with oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and salt. Roast about 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Caramelize onions: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook about 5 minutes until softened. Reduce heat to medium and cook 15 minutes more until caramelized.
- Add aromatics: Increase heat to medium-high and add lemongrass, Thai chilis, and garlic. Cook about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the soup: Add coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Add roasted squash and bring to a simmer. Cook 10β15 minutes.
- Make cumin yogurt: In a small bowl mix coconut yogurt with 1 teaspoon cumin. Add a splash of fish sauce to balance flavor if desired.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender (or standard blender carefully) to puree until smooth. Add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Season: Stir in 2 teaspoons fish sauce and half the lime zest and juice. Taste and adjust with more fish sauce or lime juice to balance flavors.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, drizzle with cumin yogurt, and top with toasted sunflower seeds and cilantro.