If you loved the creamy squash sauce from our Crispy Snapper Fillets recipe, you’re going to fall head over spoon for this Spicy Squash Soup! It’s rich, peppery, and perfect for cozy meals or make-ahead lunches. This soup is one of my absolute favorites—and with good reason. It’s full of flavor, quick to make, and incredibly versatile.

You can enjoy it just as is, or level it up with extras like veggies, meat, or even tofu. You can even turn this into your own version of Soup Joumou—just add beef, noodles, and root vegetables. Simple. Epic. Caribbean.

Spicy Squash Soup with Caribbean Flavors

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to adore about this Spicy Squash Soup—whether you’re cooking for one, feeding the family, or meal prepping like a boss.

Super Easy to Make – One pot, minimal prep, blend and boom—you’ve got a flavorful soup in no time.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Squash, tomatoes, aromatics—you probably have most of these in your pantry already.
Easy to Find – No running to three different stores. You can find everything in your local grocery or farmers’ market.
Diet Friendly – Naturally dairy-free and vegan (if you want it to be). Add tofu, lean meats, or grains—whatever works for your lifestyle.
Perfect for Any Meal – This isn’t just a dinner soup. Serve it for lunch, brunch with toast, or even as a light dinner side.
Totally Customizable – Add veggies, use coconut milk, turn it into a stew, or make it spicy or mild. This soup adapts to YOU.

Ingredients Breakdown

Squash (Butternut, Sweet Mama, or Calabaza): Sweet, creamy, and full of beta carotene. Choose one with the skin still on—it’s fresher and more flavorful.
Tomatoes: Adds depth, umami, and a gentle acidity.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and zing.
Lemongrass: Earthy and citrusy. Use fresh, and chop it fine to release the oils.
Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper: Adds the Caribbean heat. Adjust to your spice tolerance—or swap it for Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce for a more exotic and flavorful punch.
Sunflower or Grapeseed Oil: Neutral and perfect for sautéing without overpowering the delicate squash flavor.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the spice and acidity.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. You’re the boss here.

Crispy Snapper Fillets with Squash Sauce Recipe — Squash sauce or soup for fish recipe

Add-Ons & Adaptations

Make It Creamy: Add coconut milk for a silky, tropical finish.
Make It Hearty: Stir in chopped cabbage, carrots, or spinach.
Want Protein? Toss in cooked lentils, shredded chicken, or beef for a stew-style twist.
Turn It Into Soup Joumou: Add pasta or noodles, meat, and more root veggies.

Pairing Ideas

Haitian Bread or a warm baguette (a MUST!)
A scoop of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal
Fried plantains or roasted veggies for a delicious side

Freezing & Storing Tips

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.
Prep Tip: Freeze peeled squash, chopped ginger, and lemongrass together in zip bags so you can have this soup ready in half the time next time.

Notes andTips

Use Fresh Squash for Best Flavor
While store-bought squash purée or pre-cut cubes can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of fresh squash—especially varieties like Calabaza or Sweet Mama with the skin on.
Control the Heat
If you’re not a fan of fiery food, start with less hot pepper or swap it out with a dash of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce for a more exotic, controlled heat.
Strain for Smoothness
For a velvety, restaurant-style finish, strain the soup after blending—especially helpful to remove any fibrous bits from ginger or lemongrass.
Adjust the Consistency
If your soup is too thick, add a little hot water or coconut milk to loosen it. Want it creamy? A splash of coconut milk or even soft tofu blended in does wonders.
Use a Blender, Not a Processor
A high-powered blender gives you that silky texture that’s perfect for soup. A food processor might leave the soup a bit too chunky.
Serve It Right
This soup is heaven with warm Haitian bread or a crusty baguette. You can also pour it over rice or serve it alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad.
Double It & Freeze It
Make a double batch and freeze in individual portions. It reheats beautifully and saves you on busy days.
Turn It Into Soup Joumou
Add your cooked meat, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and voilà—you’ve got a spicy twist on the beloved Haitian Soup Joumou.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Squash Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s nourishing, flexible, and totally packed with island flavor. Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with extras, this is a must-add to your soup rotation. Perfect for rainy days, busy nights, or when you need something bold and beautiful.

Now go grab that bread and dig in. You’re in for a Caribbean treat.

Spicy Squash Soup – A Caribbean Classic With a Bold Kick

A spicy, comforting Caribbean-style squash soup made with lemongrass, ginger, and hot pepper. Perfect on its own or with added vegetables and protein. Great with Haitian bread!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings

Calories 223 kcal

Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Blender
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Vegetable Peeler
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Strainer or Fine-Mesh Sieve (Optional)
Measuring spoons
Ladle
Serving Bowls

Ingredients

5 tablespoons sunflower oil or grapeseed oil
11 oz 300 grams squash (Butternut, Sweet Mama, or Calabaza), peeled and diced
3 large tomatoes peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger finely chopped
1 stalk lemongrass finely chopped
¼ hot pepper Scotch Bonnet or Habanero, finely chopped
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons caster sugar

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-low heat. Add squash, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and the pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes. If things start to stick, splash in a little water.

Blend & Season

Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Blend until smooth. If needed, strain to remove any fibers from the ginger and lemongrass. Return to pot, season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Keep warm.

Notes

Use Fresh Squash for Best Flavor
While store-bought squash purée or pre-cut cubes can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of fresh squash—especially varieties like Calabaza or Sweet Mama with the skin on.
Control the Heat
If you’re not a fan of fiery food, start with less hot pepper or swap it out with a dash of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce for a more exotic, controlled heat.
Strain for Smoothness
For a velvety, restaurant-style finish, strain the soup after blending—especially helpful to remove any fibrous bits from ginger or lemongrass.
Adjust the Consistency
If your soup is too thick, add a little hot water or coconut milk to loosen it. Want it creamy? A splash of coconut milk or even soft tofu blended in does wonders.
Use a Blender, Not a Processor
A high-powered blender gives you that silky texture that’s perfect for soup. A food processor might leave the soup a bit too chunky.
Serve It Right
This soup is heaven with warm Haitian bread or a crusty baguette. You can also pour it over rice or serve alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad.
Double It & Freeze It
Make a double batch and freeze in individual portions. It reheats beautifully and saves you on busy days.
Turn It Into Soup Joumou
Add your cooked meat, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and voilà—you’ve got a spicy twist on the beloved Haitian Soup Joumou.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 9083IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Keyword Butternut squash soup, Caribbean squash soup, Haitian-inspired soup, lemongrass squash soup, soup joumou variation, soup with hot pepper, spicy squash soup, vegan squash soup, vegetable squash soup

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Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.

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