This curry bisque featuring kabocha squash is the perfect fall soup that is delicious, creamy, and full of warm comforting flavors.
INGREDIENTS:
2 kabocha squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
2 stalks lemongrass (no root or tops), chopped
1/2 sweet onion, cut into julienne strips
2 bunches fresh Thai basil
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons red Thai curry paste
1 cup water
2 cans coconut milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 quarts chicken stock
2 ounces palm (or light brown) sugar
Salt, to taste
METHOD:
Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Rub squash inside and out with oil and season with salt. Place on a roasting pan open side down. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Heat a stockpot and add olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and onion, and sweat for 2 minutes. Stir in basil, cilantro, curry paste, and water and whisk until the curry paste has dissolved. Add coconut milk, cream, chicken stock, and sugar, and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to a medium simmer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the squash has cooled, remove the skin and place the roasted squash into the stockpot. Stir to combine and continue to cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Season with a little salt. If you want the soup more spicy or sweet, add curry paste or palm sugar to taste.
Carefully ladle the mixture into a blender (in small batches) and blend on high until smooth. Then strain through a fine chinois or another strainer into another pot. Continue the process until all soup mixture is pureed. The soup should be smooth and semi-thick — add more liquid to get desired consistency or bring it to a boil to reduce it slightly, if too thin.
YIELD: 10 servings
SOURCE: Adapted from recipe by Chef Dean Shinagawa, Tulalip Bay
