Tweet. Pin It. Most of us have the best intentions when deciding to go vegetarianâbut while you may be cutting the animal kingdom a break; you may be doing your health a disservice if youâre not sure how to maintain a balanced diet.
Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add carrot, celery and onion. Cook until vegetables have begun to soften and onion turns translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in butternut squash, thyme, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender to purÃ©e soup. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully purÃ©e in batches in an upright blender.
When liquid comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook the soup covered until squash is tender, about 25 minutes. Make garnish while soup cooks: In a medium mixing bowl, toss together peanuts, coconut flakes, fish sauce, chiles, 1 tablespoon oil, the minced lemongrass, the sugar and the lime leaves, if using.