Butternut Squash Curry Soup with Shrimp

You know you've hit a recipe home run when someone eating it says, "this could be served in a restaurant!" That's exactly what my husband said the first time I made this delicious soup. I had to agree. We've made it several times since, and we haven't changed our minds. It is SO good. And what better way to get all those good nutrients from butternut squash than to make a wonderful curry with coconut milk and shrimp!?!

The hardest part about this recipe is cutting up the squash - those buggers are TOUGH! But once that's done, this comes together quickly and easily. And you can rest your weary squash-cutting hands for the 20 minutes that the soup simmers... (Butternut squash is also available already diced, usually frozen. Feel free to take advantage of that option and then this dinner is a BREEZE!)

This can be served over rice noodles or rice, and we loved it either way. There's still plenty of winter left, and this soup is the perfect thing to make when you need a warm up. Or, if you just need to eat. Either way.

Get other great ideas at Inspiration Monday, Mix it Up, Busy Monday, Inspire Me, TGIM, Create Link Inspire, Clever Chicks, Fabulous, Show and Share, Full Plate, Recipe Sharing, Foodie Friday, Friday Frenzy, Pin Me, Weekend Potluck, Sugar and Spice.

Butternut Squash Curry Soup with Shrimp

2 tsp. canola or coconut oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
3 tsp. red curry paste
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, about 4-5 cups
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
12 ounces large cooked shrimp
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6-8 ounces rice noodles, or rice

In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste, sugar and salt and cook for 1-2 minutes longer.

Add in the squash, broth and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the squash is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Once squash is tender, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, if you like. You can also leave in chunks - your preference totally!

Stir in the shrimp and cilantro and add additional salt and/or pepper to taste. Serve immediately over cooked rice noodles or rice.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe