When you're in the mood for something soothing, this soup fits the bill. It's quick-cooking and features tender cubes of tofu and colorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Smarts #1: The spiciness of curry paste can vary depending on the brand. If you're concerned about too much heat, start out with a small amount and add more until it’s just the way you like it. Smarts #2: Butternut squash can become soft very quickly. Don’t worry too much if it starts to fall apart - it will lend body and creaminess to the finished soup. You can also substitute sweet potatoes, which are better at holding their shape.
Tofu, extra-firm
- 16 oz
, 1/2" / 1.3 cm cubes
(vacuum-packed preferable)
Butternut squash
- 12 oz
, peeled and cubed
(look for pre-chopped to save time; sub sweet potatoes)
Bell peppers, any color
- 1
, chopped
Onions, medium
- 1
, chopped
Garlic
- 2 cloves
, minced
Green beans, frozen
- 8 oz
Oil, cooking
- 1 Tbsp
Curry paste, red
- 1 to 3 Tbsp
, use more or less depending on your spice preference
(sub another type of curry paste)
Soy sauce, low-sodium
- 2 tsp
Brown sugar (opt)
- 1 tsp
Stock, any type
- 3 cups
Coconut milk, light (14 oz / 397 g)
- 1 can
Lime juice
- 1 Tbsp
Prep
Tofu - If tofu is packaged in water, press out liquid first, like in this video. Then slice into 1/2” / 1.3 cm cubes. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
Butternut squash / Bell peppers / Onions / Garlic - Peel and cube squash if not using pre-chopped. Prep bell peppers, onions, and garlic as directed. Store squash in its own container. Store bell peppers, onions, and garlic together in one container. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Green beans - Rinse briefly under warm water to defrost, then drain.
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Heat a large pot or Dutch oven with cooking oil over medium heat.
Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until just beginning to turn tender.
Stir in curry paste, soy sauce, and brown sugar (if using) and saute until fragrant, ~1 minute.
Add squash, tofu, and stock to the pan and bring to a low simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered, until squash is nearly tender, ~12 to 15 minutes.
Stir in green beans and coconut milk. Return to a low simmer and continue cooking until everything is tender and heated through, ~5 to 8 minutes more.
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Taste and season with some salt and pepper or some additional curry paste, soy sauce, or lime juice, as needed.