Chitra Agrawal, the founder of Brooklyn Delhi, shares her recipe for curried roasted winter squash soup. The dish was featured as a chef favorite on Aug. 4, 2024.
Agrawal’s soup uses roasted winter squash as its base. The squash is cooked until tender, then blended with curry spices to create a smooth, warm soup. The recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, relying on the natural sweetness of the squash and the depth of the curry flavors.
The soup is suitable for a meal on its own or as a starter. It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a practical option for weeknight dinners or entertaining. The ingredients are common and easy to find in most grocery stores.
Agrawal is known for her work with Brooklyn Delhi, a company that produces Indian-inspired condiments and sauces. Her cooking often combines traditional Indian techniques with locally sourced, seasonal produce. This soup reflects that approach, using a winter vegetable as the main ingredient and pairing it with spices commonly found in Indian cuisine.
To prepare the soup, the squash is first cut into pieces and roasted in the oven until it is soft. The roasted squash is then combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger. Curry powder, along with other spices like cumin and coriander, is added to the pot. Vegetable broth is poured in, and the mixture is simmered until all the flavors meld together. Finally, the soup is blended until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
The finished soup can be garnished with a swirl of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad. The recipe is adaptable, allowing cooks to adjust the level of spice or add other vegetables as desired.
This soup is a good choice for cold weather months when winter squash is in season. It provides a warm, comforting meal that is both filling and flavorful. The curry spices add a layer of complexity without making the dish too heavy. Agrawal’s version is a reminder that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can produce a satisfying result.
