Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. While traditional turkey and stuffing are staples, why not expand your culinary horizons this year with a globally-inspired twist? This recipe for Indian Spiced Butternut Squash Soup offers a warm, comforting, and utterly flavourful alternative, or a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Imagine the creamy sweetness of butternut squash perfectly balanced by the aromatic warmth of Indian spices – a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. The vibrant orange hue is visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table.
This unique soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparation times; this dish is perfect for even the busiest Thanksgiving cook. Ready to experience the magic of this globally-inspired soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Vitamix or blender
- Oven
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cloves: 6 cloves (or 4-5)
- Cinnamon powder: 1 pinch + a teeny weeny bit more
- Chili powder: 1 pinch + a little bit more
- Curry leaves
- Minced garlic
- Red onions
- Salt
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Roasted butternut squash
- Chilies
- Coconut milk
- Water
- Garam masala (for garnish)
- Salt (for garnish): a teeny weeny bit
- Cinnamon (for garnish): a teeny weeny bit
- Dill leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add cloves, cinnamon powder, and chili powder. Be mindful of the heat level.
- Add curry leaves, minced garlic, and red onions. Salt the onions.
- Add a little more cinnamon and a teaspoon of garam masala powder.
Step 2. Simmer the Soup
- Add roasted butternut squash (previously roasted at 350 degrees for 20 minutes).
- Add chilies, coconut milk, and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes on high heat.
Step 3. Blend until Smooth
- Blend the soup in a Vitamix or blender until smooth.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with garam masala, a pinch of salt, a pinch of cinnamon, and dill leaves.
Read more: Asparagus Soup Recipe: Easy Indian-Style Shatavari Soup
Tips
- The order of adding ingredients is crucial in Indian cuisine. It impacts the flavor profile.
- Red onions are a great natural antihistamine, perfect for allergy season.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-15gg
- Carbs: 25-30gg
- Protein: 3-5gg
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it a day or two in advance and reheat gently before serving.
2. What kind of Indian spices should I use if I don't have all of them?
The most important are turmeric and cumin. Garam masala is a great addition but can be substituted with a pinch of cinnamon and coriander.
3. Can I use different vegetables?
While butternut squash is ideal, you can add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
This Indian Spiced Butternut Squash Soup is a testament to the delicious possibilities of global fusion cuisine. It's a perfect way to add a unique and flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving celebration, guaranteed to delight your family and friends. Enjoy this warming, comforting, and utterly delicious soup – happy Thanksgiving!