Thai Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

This Thai Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish bursting with warm curry flavors, rich coconut milk, and a touch of citrus. Made with fresh butternut squash, Thai red curry paste, and aromatic spices, this smooth and velvety soup is both nourishing and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's easy to prepare in an Instant Pot and can be garnished with fresh herbs, toasted pumpkin seeds, or scallions for extra texture and taste.

• 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste (see notes if using homemade)
• 2.5 lbs butternut squash (1 fresh squash, peeled and cut into 6-7 large pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (about 1.5 inches, rough chopped)
• 1 tbsp garlic (about 3 large cloves, rough chopped)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 12 oz coconut milk (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 3 limes (zest of 1 lime, plus 2-3 tbsp juice)
• 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, or both, for serving)

Directions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat oil in an Instant Pot on sauté setting. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until soft and lightly browned (4-5 minutes).
2. Cook Curry Paste:
   Add curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes, until fragrant and darkened in color.
3. Add Squash, Seasonings, and Pressure Cook:
   Add squash, bouillon cube, 5 cups of water, and lemongrass (broken in half). Add 1/2 tsp salt. Seal the Instant Pot and set to "sealing." Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release.
4. Add Coconut Milk and Continue Cooking:
   Add coconut milk and lime zest. Cook at high pressure for 3 minutes, then quick release. Alternatively, simmer covered for 10 minutes on sauté setting.
5. Puree Soup:
   Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, work in batches and puree in a blender. Return to pot, mix in lime juice, black pepper, and sugar. Adjust seasoning with more salt, sugar, or lime juice as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with your choice of black pepper, toasted pumpkin seeds, scallion, cilantro, red onion, or red radish. Serve and enjoy!

‍