BUTTERNUT SQUASH, SHALLOT AND COCONUT MILK SOUP

Butternut Squash, Shallot and Coconut Milk Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup chopped shallot
1/2 cup chopped scallion, white and greens parts kept separate
1 cup peeled chopped potato
1 tablespoon peeled chopped fresh ginger
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3 cups chopped peeled butternut squash
1/4 to 1/2 cup coconut milk, plus more, for drizzling (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Steps:

Heat the coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and scallion whites and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the potato, ginger, cayenne, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the butternut squash and simmer until the potatoes and squash are tender, about 20 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaf and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill blender more than halfway full).
Stir in the coconut milk and reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency with water and seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Serve hot sprinkled with chopped cilantro and scallion greens and a drizzle of coconut milk if using.