Kabocha (Creamy Japanese Squash Soup)

By
Setsuko Yoshizuka
Setsuko Yoshizuka
Setsuko Yoshizuka is a freelance food writer and Japanese cookbook author.
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Updated on 03/7/22
Kabocha Squash Soup
Roman Maerzinger/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Kabocha, also referred to as Japanese pumpkin or kabocha squash, is a seasonal vegetable that peaks in the fall through winter. It is revered for its nutrient-rich flesh and mildly sweet flavor.

In Japanese cuisine, kabocha is a very traditional ingredient that often appears in everyday family meals and is used in a variety of dishes. The most basic of kabocha recipes is simmered kabocha, which is seasoned with basic ingredients such as soy sauce and mirin.

Yet another popular Japanese dish is kabocha korokke (or croquettes). Other popular ways in which kabocha is incorporated into Japanese cuisine is tempura. You'll often find a slice of pumpkin tempura amongst the assorted tempura selection at Japanese restaurants. Kabocha may also be used as a substitute for potato in several dishes, and can also be incorporated into dishes such as pasta, stews, curry rice, and simmered dishes.

Tip: Microwave the kabocha squash to soften its exterior skin, which is very tough. This will make it easier to slice.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound kabocha pumpkin

  • 1/2 onion, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder, or 2 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups water, if using chicken bouillon

  • 1 2/3 cups milk

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Wash the exterior of the kabocha squash. Cut in half and remove seeds and inner strands of the squash.

  2. Place kabocha on a microwave-safe plate and heat in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. This helps to soften the kabocha just a bit.

  3. Cut the kabocha into thin slices and remove exterior skin. Set slices aside.

  4. In a medium pot, melt butter and sauté onion slices until translucent and softened.

  5. Add kabocha and sauté together with onions until the kabocha is cooked.

  6. Pour water and add chicken bouillon powder in the pot. (Note: Chicken broth may be substituted for the bouillon and water.) Simmer on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until kabocha is softened.

  7. Either use an immersion hand blender to blend the vegetables with the broth, or allow the mixture to cool slightly and then pour it into a traditional blender to puree, then add it back to the pot.

  8. On medium-high heat, add milk to the kabocha mixture and bring to a boil, constantly stirring the soup. Turn off the heat, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately. Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley.

    Use Caution When Blending Hot Ingredients

    Steam expands quickly in a blender, and can cause ingredients to splatter everywhere or cause burns. To prevent this, fill the blender only one-third of the way up, vent the top, and cover with a folded kitchen towel while blending.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
107 Calories
5g Fat
12g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 107
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 461mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 6mg 31%
Calcium 149mg 11%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 429mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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