Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy yet bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet, velvety butternut squash harmonizes with the warmth and spice of red curry, and those buttery, honeyed croutons take it over the top! Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with something a little out of the ordinary, this recipe has you covered.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work in perfect harmony. When shopping, pick squash that feels heavy for its size and a crusty bread that’s sturdy enough to handle the butter without sogging.

• Butternut Squash: Choose small to medium-size ones – they roast evenly and have a naturally sweet flavor.
• Red Curry Paste: Look for authentic Thai brands; they bring a great balance of heat and fragrance.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Use hot stock to preserve temperature and control your soup’s thickness.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness – don’t skip it!
• Crusty Bread (like sourdough): Makes the best croutons with its chewy interior and crisp crust.
• Butter: Softened for easy mixing into the curry butter spread.
• Honey: Balances the spice in the croutons with a touch of sweetness.
• Lime and Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that brighten up the flavors.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth in both soup and croutons.

Variations

I love experimenting with this curried squash soup, and I encourage you to play around too! It’s forgiving and wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary needs.

• Vegan Variation: I’ve swapped out butter for coconut oil and used vegetable stock to make it completely plant-based with amazing flavor.
• Heat Level Adjustment: You can dial down the spice by using less curry paste or swap red curry paste with yellow curry paste for milder warmth.
• Thicker Soup: I sometimes blend in a small cooked potato or carrot for extra body when I want it even creamier.
• Crunch Variations: Try adding toasted pumpkin seeds on top instead of croutons for a different texture kick.

How to Make Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Squash to Sweet Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread your peeled, de-seeded, and chunked butternut squash evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and drizzles of olive oil—don’t skimp; that oil helps the edges caramelize beautifully. Roast for about 50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly crisp at the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides in easily and the surface has golden spots. This roasting step deepens the flavor and adds a natural sweetness that makes this soup so irresistible.

Step 2: Blend the Soup until Velvety Smooth

Transfer the roasted squash to your blender along with half the hot broth, the red curry paste, coconut milk, and salt. Blend it up until silky smooth. If it’s too thick, add more broth a little at a time until you hit your preferred consistency. Pro tip: tapping the blender pitcher gently on the counter helps release air bubbles for a perfectly uniform soup. Once blended, pour the soup into a pot to warm gently if needed and adjust salt or spice to taste.

Step 3: Whip Up the Red Curry Butter Croutons

Cut your crusty bread into thick slices—thickness is key so they don’t fall apart when you spread the butter mixture. In a bowl, mix softened butter, extra red curry paste, and honey until smooth and fragrant. Spread this vibrant butter over both sides of your bread slices. Pop them in a 425°F oven or toaster oven and bake until golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through. Once toasted, chop the bread into bite-sized croutons. These croutons are the perfect spicy, sweet, buttery crunchy contrast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 4: Serve with Garnishes and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime for fresh zing, and red chilies if you like extra heat. Scatter the curried butter croutons over the top before serving. The textures and flavors come together like a warm hug for your taste buds!

How to Serve Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing this soup with a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice—it just wakes up all the flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle thin slices of fresh red chili for a bit of heat if we’re feeling spicy. Little things like these elevate the entire experience and make every spoonful exciting.

Side Dishes

This soup is fantastic on its own, but if you want a heartier meal, I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted chickpeas for crunch. For dinner parties, a side of jasmine rice works beautifully to soak up all the delicious soup.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving this soup at gatherings, I like to place the soup in rustic mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out squash halves for fun seasonal flair. Floating a few croutons atop and swirling in some coconut milk patterns adds a pretty touch that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes for tasty next-day lunches!

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Just be careful not to freeze the croutons because they’ll lose their crunch.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after storage, stir in a splash of broth or coconut milk to bring back the desired texture. Add fresh garnishes and freshly toasted croutons just before serving to keep everything vibrant.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Curried Squash Soup with Red Curry Butter Croutons Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple yet packed with layers of flavor you don’t get every day. I love how it brings warmth and comfort without feeling heavy or boring. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try—I promise, you’ll be making it again and again.

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