Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup/Puree

Raquel Grinnell's Note:

Can be served thick as a puree to accompany an Indian dinner, or turkey.... and thinned out is a wonderful hearty vegetarian soup. I prefer the soup!

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 bowls

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 -3 medium butternut squash , cut in half and seeded
• 2 large yellow onions , chopped
• 1 red pepper , seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper , seeded and chopped
• 4 garlic cloves , chopped
• 2 inches fresh ginger , peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 2 teaspoons garam masala (preferably) or 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
• 2 -3 cups vegetable broth (low or no sodium)
• salt and pepper
• ¼ cup cilantro , chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F .
2. Brush butternut squash with olive oil and spinkle with salt and peppe; lay cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake for about an hour or until fork tender. Let cool and scoop out flesh.
3. Add rest of olive oil to a large heavy bottomed pot set at medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger and saute till onion turns transluscent. Add red pepper and jalapeno, season with salt and pepper saute until softened, stirring often.
4. Add soy sauce, red curry paste, garam masala/curry powder and stir to coat. Then add coconut milk, broth, squash and stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil and lower to simmer for 30 minutes. Puree with food mill, blender or immersion blender, adding extra broth depending on whether you'd rather have a puree or a soup. Season to taste. Sprinkle each serving with cilantro.