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Quick Velvety Kabocha Squash Curry Soup (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

kabocha squash curry soup - featured image

A velvety, rich, and deeply comforting kabocha squash curry soup that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder is packed with warm, aromatic flavors and is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium kabocha squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild to medium, such as Madras)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of coconut milk, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime

Instructions

  1. Prep the squash: Carefully cut the kabocha squash in half through the stem. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the curry powder: Sprinkle the curry powder over the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the squash and broth: Toss in the cubed kabocha squash and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Simmer until tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the squash is very soft and easily pierced with a fork.
  6. Blend until velvety: Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 5 minutes, then blend in batches, filling the blender no more than halfway. Remove the center cap from the blender lid and cover with a kitchen towel to let steam escape.
  7. Add the coconut milk and season: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your chosen garnishes. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip blooming the curry powder—it deepens the flavor. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best velvety texture. The soup tastes even better the next day. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped Thai chili with the aromatics. To make it in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the aromatics, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with a quick release.

Nutrition

Keywords: kabocha squash soup, curry soup, quick soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, dairy-free soup, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal