It is the time of year wherein pumpkin gets a lot of attention. This time, we will not make the traditional pumpkin soup. Instead, I will show you how to cook a very simple soup using butternut squash with a Filipino twist — I call this Kalabasa Soup with Ampalaya Leaves.
You can easily guess what’s in this soup that we are making by its name. I chose butternut squash because it has a mild sweet taste. It will work well to balance the flavor of the soup especially when the bitter melon leaves are added. The bitter melon (ampalaya) leaves has a purpose in this recipe. It actually makes the soup taste better and it provides additional nutrients.
Kalabasa Soup pairs well with fried fish and rice. I think that it is best eaten on a rainy day to make your meal more enjoyable and appetizing. I am not sure if its just me, but do you also think or crave for warm soup or porridge and fried fish on a rainy day? I sometimes crave for Champorado and tuyo when it starts to rain.
Try this Kalabasa Soup with Ampalaya Leaves recipe.
Kalabasa Soup with Ampalaya Leaves
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium butternut squash; peeled seeds removed, and cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- A bunch of Ampalaya bitter melon leaves
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth and water in a cooking pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the onion and butternut squash. Boil for 20 minutes.
- Put-in the garlic powder. Stir
- Put-in the ampalaya leaves. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add salt to taste. Serve.
- Share and enjoy!
Nicole says
Hi Kuya,
I was exactly looking for a recipe that just has squash in it, as i have lots left after cooking bulanglang yesterday(which was you recipe as well). You’re my savior in my everyday cooking, as I learned to cook lots of different recipes from your website. 🙂
Anyway, with this Kalabasa soup, can I replace ampalaya leaves with pepper leaves as I don’t have ampalaya leaves here?
Thanks so much Kuya,
Nicole
Vanjo Merano says
Hi Nicole, sure you can use hot pepper leaves as a replacement.
Marissa says
Hello Idol, I’m a #1 fan of yours. You help me in everyday life, your recipes are very good but all simple and easy to make. I felt like I’m always home “Pinas”.
For the Kalabasa soup can I use spinach instead of ampalaya leaves or hot pepper leaves?
Thank you and mor power to you!
Vanjo Merano says
Marissa, you may if this is the only option that you have.