INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced, about 1 cup
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated on a microplane, about 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons thai red curry paste (I use Thai kitchen brand)
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash (about half a large squash)
- 4 boneless skinless thighs or 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed in 1-inch pieces (optional)
- 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk (not low-fat)
- 2 cups chicken stock or water
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (omit for whole30)
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice
- Kosher salt
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
- Cilantro
- Thai basil and/or red pepper flakes for additional heat
This soup is also delicious with sweet potato and a handful of greens (such a spinach or kale leaves) tossed in to wilt at the end.
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the ginger and red curry paste and stir to combine.
2. Add the carrot, red pepper and butternut squash, salting the vegetables with about 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and stir to combine. Add the cubed chicken, if using, and stir.
3. Stir in the coconut milk, chicken stock, fish sauce and sugar (if using). Stir to combine. Let simmer on low heat until vegetables are soft and chicken is cooked, about 15 minutes.
4. Add the lime juice and taste for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary.
5. Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice and optional garnish.