Happy New Year! As I reflect on the past year I’m humbled and empowered by the challenges I faced. I know that many people share this sentiment. Aside from the losses, humanitarian crises and political upheavals, I experienced 2016 as a year of profound grief and fear. My sister committed suicide last October which propelled me into a long period of confusion and anxiety. Her death shocked me and shattered my world view, propelling me into a struggle with long dormant OCD tendencies. For several months I felt out of control, anxious and afraid. But, through the process of learning about how my mind works, and doing lots and lots of hard work to retrain my mind not to jump to conclusions, I feel like I know myself better than ever before. In January my mom suffered a minor heart attack. Old fears were replaced by new ones and I became hyper vigilant concerning my mom’s symptoms, always worrying that she might have another heart attack and die. As I think back on these two monumental events a pattern emerges. 2016 was about death, trying to understand it and what happens next, fearing it, respecting it’s unpredictability, and doing my best to accept it. Nature teaches us that where there is death, there is also life and 2016 taught me to appreciate this dichotomy and to strive to better myself and the world with every action, to see the beauty around us and to appreciate it viscerally and concretely. So, as 2017 begins I’d like to remind you all that your thoughts and actions matter. They have an effect beyond what we can immediately see and no matter what you believe, it’s hard to deny that all living things are connected in some way. This year I challenge you to take on every day as an opportunity to support and foster kindness, compassion, and beauty. This means owning your flaws, staring your weaknesses in the face and taking them on with bravery and pride because you know that the struggle will make you stronger. This means making mindful decisions every day about how you live and what you eat. It means thinking beyond yourself and considering how your daily choices impact others and the planet. It means giving willingly and selflessly to support the good things even at a cost. I think you will find that doing good feels good. In this spirit, from now on, I’ll be donating 10% of all revenue from the blog to non-profits supporting sustainable agriculture. You can read more about this exciting new project here.
This recipe is a twist on your typical squash soup, with the addition of lemongrass, ginger and lime. It is bright and satisfying and will get you through the remaining winter months. Enjoy!
Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger and Lemongrass
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, inner core cut into 1 inch pieces and smashed in a mortar and pestle
4 cups full fat coconut milk
4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
6 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral high heat oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
roasted peanuts, cilantro, coconut cream and hot sauce to garnish
PROCEDURE
Combine the lemongrass and coconut milk in a medium pot over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half. Remove from the heat and allow to steep while you prepare the other ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Toss the butternut squash with 3 tablespoons of the oil and 3/4 teaspoons salt. Spread on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until soft.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in a pot set over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Saute for several minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the roasted butternut squash and broth. Strain the coconut milk through a fine mesh sieve and add it to the soup.Simmer for 10-15 minutes to mingle the flavors. Remove from the heat, allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a high speed blender and puree until completely smooth. Add the lime juice and blend again to combine.
Serve the soup with chopped roasted peanuts, chopped cilantro, a drizzle of coconut cream and some hot sauce.
I love this! So simple, sweet and healthy. Great job cutting the sticks so evenly from a butternut squash!
Really beautiful photography and a delicious recipe!
beautiful photographs!
https://beankitchen.com/
Thank you so much!
Did you garnish with chia seeds or… ? Am I even close?
Black sesame seeds!
xoxo
Could I substitute water for vegetable broth? Your photography is amazing 😍
You could but the flavor won’t be as good and you may need to add extra salt. Let me know how it turns out! And thank you!
Beautiful post, Sasha. You’re tremendously brave to endure the hardship of the past year and to be able to come away stronger, more aware and willing to share your experiences with those around you. Thank you for being open and honest. Sending you my love.
Thanks Ali! Lots of love!
Love the choice of serving ware!
Always in love with your pics and beautiful soups! This one looks like the perfect one for me! Thank you, Sasha! Sending you much love and courage for your loss from last year <3
Thanks you so much! Hope you enjoy it
Sasha… I’m sorry for this sad yeAr… We both have had loss , sadness and fear of our loved ones, thank you for your inspiring words… I dreamed of you and your mom last night.. Ironic., you wore a beautiful beaded eye mask 💕can’t wait to try the soup
Cherise,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a difficult year as well. Sending strength and healing and hope to see you soon!
Sasha
Sending much love
From my own life it’s so clear that so much of what happens to those we care about is layered with lessons for our own growth. It is the silver lining to what we deem to be a hardship or loss. The presence of those I loved and lost is so much a part of me, that besides their physical presence, they live on… in the way I think, the way I cook, the way I pull myself up when I’m down. Cheers! May this year only build on the wonderful insights and compassion you are modelling for us. In Health.
Such wise words! Thanks you for sharing and for your support!
Oh Sasha. My heart breaks for all the struggle that you’ve endured but it is simply stunning to watch you turn darkness into light. Cheers, friend.
Thanks Ashley! Your support means so much!
You are a freaking stud, lady. My heart aches for everything you have gone through the last 15 months, and genuinely feels stronger at the same time reading your words here. Thank you for being so open and honest Sasha. Your words are impacting every soul who visits your space here, mine included. And your idea to donate is brilliant, shockingly brilliant, like why haven’t I seen this before kind of brilliant. It just shows the kind of heart and awareness you have, and compassion. True compassion. Adore you.
Jessie, Thanks you so much for your support and affirmation. See you soon!
This soup is exactly what we need right now to make our gloomy winter days a bit warmer and a lot more comforting. 🙂
Sending you lots of positive vibes and big hugs. I wish that this new year brings you nothing but happiness and unexpected good things.
xo
Thank you so much!
I am very sorry about your loss. I can only imagine how hard it must have been. I hope this new year will bring you more healing and patience through all you have been through.
Your photography is one that inspires me so much. And this soup photos are no different. Cheers!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister and struggles of 2016. May 2017 be a better year with healing and peace. This soup sounds delicious, I can’t wait to try it.
Thank you!