Spicy Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup | Rebel Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? ›

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? The key is to season it correctly. I use ground sage and nutmeg which both enhance the flavors of butternut squash and bring out its natural sweetness. Stir in full-fat coconut milk to make this soup extra-creamy, and don't forget the salt and pepper!

To reduce the level of spiciness, you can do one of two things. The first option is to dilute the soup by adding more liquid such as more broth or add in some cream. Secondly, you can balance out the spiciness in the soup with added sweetness such as a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

Yellow onion and garlic – These veggies add delicious depth of flavor. Fresh sage and rosemary – I don't reach for rosemary as often as some other fresh herbs, but I absolutely love it here. Along with the sage, it makes this soup cozy and complex.

Butternut squash is also rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and reduces risk of breast and colorectal cancer, according to several studies.

Dilute It. Another simple way to temper something spicy is to dilute it. This can be done by adding more of the non-spicy ingredients to a dish (like vegetables, grains, meat or broth) or even just by adding water to thin it out.

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

Herbs and sources add flavor, aroma, and intensity to the soup broth. You can pick fresh or dried herbs like basil for tomato-based soups or fresh parsley for clear broths. You may also add more spices like turmeric, ground ginger, ground paprika, or nutmeg for a touch of spice and color to your soup broth.

Dairy is great at counteracting spiciness and can add a nice cooling effect. You can add milk, sour cream, or even a dollop of plain yogurt over each serving, but beware of adding and then cooking the dairy over higher heat, as it may curdle.

Add coconut milk

Even though coconut milk doesn't contain the same casein protein that magical ingredient in dairy that helps cool down spicy food it does contain plenty of fat, which helps to calm the heat in a dish and cool it down.

What goes well with butternut squash soup? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

How do I thicken butternut squash soup? If you find the soup is too thin, try adding pureed white beans to the soup. You can also use a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water (called a slurry) to thicken it up. Use a 1-to-2 ratio (for example, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to 2 teaspoons of water).

If you're looking for a tasty, low-calorie addition to your dog's diet, you're in luck: Dogs can eat squash safely. In fact, this garden staple has many potential benefits when prepared correctly and given in moderation.

Add acidic ingredients.

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl. Our Lemony Chicken Soup will make your mouth water.

Not enough depth: A well-rounded soup has multiple layers of flavour, including acidity, umami, and sweetness. If your soup is missing any of these, it may taste bland. Adding ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, parmesan cheese for umami, or even a touch of sweetness can make a world of difference.