Vegan Planet: Kabocha Soup with Coconut-Sriracha Swirl + Party Vegan Giveaway!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Kabocha Soup with Coconut-Sriracha Swirl + Party Vegan Giveaway!

Can you stand one more post featuring the illustrious kabocha squash? It’s not that I’m obsessed with kabochas, well okay, maybe I am. But in a good way. The really reason they seem to be taking over my kitchen recently is because I usually have to drive an hour to find any and when I do, I buy several and roast them up to use in various ways. Sure I could scoop the brilliant orange goodness into freezer containers to use another time (and I do) but I also keep some out to enjoy in different ways, as you’ve noticed if you’ve been following my blog.

Today, it’s soup! It was so easy to make, it doesn’t even need a recipe. Just cut the squash in half, scrape out the seeds and roast the squash until very soft. I roasted this one with some shallots and then scooped the pulp into a my Vitamix (a food processor would work too) and added a couple roasted shallots, some coconut milk, a little vegetable broth, a touch of sriracha, a little grated ginger and lemongrass, and salt (to taste). Then I just blended until very smooth and that was it. I had reserved some of the thick coconut milk from the top of the can to garnish the bowls of soup, and a little extra sriracha as well.

The great thing about a soup like this, is you can easily change up the flavors, using different seasonings. For example, use almond milk instead of coconut milk and swap the sriracha for chipotles in adobo, a little cumin instead of ginger and lemongrass, and you’ll have a vastly different flavor profile.

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: another cookbook giveaway contest!

This is the 4th and final giveaway to celebrate Vegan Mofo. The winner will be chosen at random on 11/29 at midnight and announced on Tuesday, November 30 — the final day of Mofo! This week’s prize is a copy of my newest book: Party Vegan!

Party Vegan isn’t just about cooking for holidays and special occasions, although there’s lots of that in there too. But it’s also about casual meals and celebrating the little things with family and friends. So the question to answer in order to enter the contest is this: “How do you like to ‘party vegan’?” Just leave a comment at the end of this post.

Thanksgiving Notes:I'm very excited to announce that some of my Thanksgiving recipes are featured on the Food Network site.

For these and more of my holiday recipes, visit Vegan.com. You can also find some of my recipes in the VegNews Holiday e-book and in Nava Atlas' Thanksgiving e-book. With all these sources, there's no excuse not to have a vegan Thanksgiving dinner!

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Labels: cookbook giveaway, kabocha soup, Party Vegan, Vegan MoFo

# posted by Robin at Vegan Planet @ 9:57 AM

Comments:

Yay for giveaways! I like to party vegan with an array of small appetizers and classy cocktails- such as a basil smash or old fashioned.

# posted by

Dani : November 24, 2010 at 10:25 AM

I like to party vegan with my friends and share our recipes and discover new stuff!

# posted by

Magenta : November 24, 2010 at 10:38 AM

That soup is gorgeous. I am with you on the Kabocha squash love. I can't wait to make some other goodes.

I've heard great things about Party Vegan. I entertain a lot and NEED a book like this so that my party food is awesome.

# posted by

Veg-In-Training : November 24, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Partying vegan is the best. For my upcoming December holiday party, I'm preparing a white bean aioli, served with slices of toasted baguette; toasted pita points with sun-dried tomato hummus; spinach artichoke dip; pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies; white russians; dark and stormies; and a virgin cranberry punch. Mmm!

# posted by

Marlene @ Jade and Fern : November 24, 2010 at 10:41 AM

I like to 'party vegan' by always bringing great vegan food to gatherings with family and friends. They have all come to look forward to my vegan concoctions.

# posted by

Batgirl : November 24, 2010 at 10:54 AM

I like to party vegan by doing a potluck! I assign everyone a dish to make accompanied by fancy non alcoholic beverages and who can resist games at a party??? We usually bust out taboo, pictionary, trivial pursuit or my personal favorite, cranium! I just love getting friends and family together and enjoying great cruelty free food and fun...something they might not have thought to do on their own.

# posted by

mmmorgans : November 24, 2010 at 10:56 AM

Your soup is pretty! I will have to try that! For parties, I sometimes put various stuffings (mushroom/rice-based, lentil/walnut pâté, whatever) in won-ton wrappers and bake them in mini-muffin pans. Then: the food is also the bowl!

# posted by

Unknown : November 24, 2010 at 11:11 AM

I like to keep my parties simple: margaritas, tortilla chips, and lots of guacamole.

# posted by

Laura : November 24, 2010 at 11:23 AM

I am getting Party Vegan from the library today - I have been looking forward to it. Such a great concept. Will be great to not have to "convert" non-veg party food recipes!

# posted by

Heather M : November 24, 2010 at 11:24 AM

I am getting Party Vegan from the library today - I have been looking forward to it. Such a great concept. Will be great to not have to "convert" non-veg party food recipes!

# posted by

Heather M : November 24, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite way to party vegan is being the hostess and making lots of fun vegan food for my guests!!

# posted by

Sarah S. : November 24, 2010 at 11:26 AM

I like to party vegan with good wines...also, for some reason mushrooms seem very festive to me, and cupcakes. and homemade pesto and fresh bread!

# posted by

ilanica : November 24, 2010 at 11:28 AM

My favorite way to "party vegan" is with a potluck in the backyard!

# posted by

Lizzie Bordello : November 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM

Our vegan group meets once a month (we rotate locations) and everyone brings a dish. We encourage new untested recipes, so there are lots of fun surprises, as well as some good-natured critiquing and helpful brainstorming. Emphasis is on keeping things casual, fun and (hopefully) frugal. There's usually a theme like Spunky Spuds, The Beet Goes On, CurryPalooza, All Liqueured Up, Surprise on a Stick, etc. Always lots of laughs and great eats!

# posted by

moonsword : November 24, 2010 at 12:06 PM

I like to party vegan with chips and french onion dip made with tofutti sour cream. My guests always scarf it down thinking it's "real" dip!

# posted by

Vance : November 24, 2010 at 12:10 PM

I party vegan with finger foods, like kabocha hummus and crackers...and pitchers of alcoholic beverages. Okay, I've never actually made kabocha hummus but it sounds delightful, no?

# posted by

Unknown : November 24, 2010 at 12:11 PM

I feel kind of nerdy, but every other month I throw a "game night" at my apartment where I come up with a huge menu, invite over tons of friends, and play "Cranium." Occasionally, I'll make it a potluck which forces my omni friends to prepare vegan foods themselves! It's great!

# posted by

HD : November 24, 2010 at 12:38 PM

By bringing desserts to share!!

# posted by

Carla : November 24, 2010 at 12:49 PM

I party vegan by making something scrumptious for me and my boyfriend to munch on the couch while feeding our addiction to Netflix, and the cat wonders once again why her people are staring at the rectangular box in the corner of the living room. Tis the season for tempeh pot pies, tea and cinnamon rolls!

# posted by

Becky : November 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM

I like to party vegan with plenty of good wine and friends! The accompaniment of yummy food is a nice bonus.

# posted by

Anonymous : November 24, 2010 at 1:02 PM

My family isn't into trying different foods, so I like to create vegan foods that aren't obviously vegan and then tell them later. If they know up front they won't try it!

# posted by

Anonymous : November 24, 2010 at 1:11 PM

I like to party vegan potluck style! When everyone brings a dish, there is less work for the host and tons of different dishes to try, so everybody can find something they like! AND, there are usually left-overs.

# posted by

Anonymous : November 24, 2010 at 1:46 PM

I like to party with my family and friends.

# posted by

Lilly : November 24, 2010 at 1:54 PM

We are having a 'vegan xmas' party, where the only food is vegan! I like to cook up a storm to really WOW the omnis! It works!

# posted by

Tahn : November 24, 2010 at 2:05 PM

Robin everything you make looks so good and so delicious.

Thank you again...I did receive your book and I will be trying some recipes with it after the holidays. I am deeply grateful. Thank you.

# posted by

Millie : November 24, 2010 at 3:24 PM

I like to have people over for board games and vegan cocktails and snacks. Everybody loves them!

# posted by

Nichole : November 24, 2010 at 4:16 PM

That's awesome that you're featured on the Food Network's site!

I party vegan potluck style with friends!

rebeccastar at gmail dot com

# posted by

Becca : November 24, 2010 at 5:20 PM

I party vegan by introducing delicious vegan foods to my omnivorous friends and showing them that vegan food IS, in fact, a party.

At vegan potlucks, I try to experiment with new dishes in an attempt to mix things up. Variety makes a party!

# posted by

Amanda J : November 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM

I like to party vegan with soy white russians and coconut milk piña coladas! :P

# posted by

Chef Amber Shea : November 24, 2010 at 7:49 PM

I like to 'party vegan' by having people over and making mountains of food for them. It is great that my friends get excited about coming over and eating vegan food. :)
Or sometimes I make a three course menu for my family, for no real reason. It always lends a festive air to the evening.

# posted by

Susan : November 24, 2010 at 8:10 PM

i like to party vegan w/potlucks - esp. a great chance to try out new dessert recipes!

# posted by

Unknown : November 24, 2010 at 9:37 PM

I party vegan with soy white russians, friends and great food!

# posted by

Anonymous : November 24, 2010 at 9:47 PM

I like to party it up with vegan cupcakes. They friggin RULE!

# posted by

HeyitsBeth : November 25, 2010 at 12:44 AM

I like the question! I like to party vegan by making and taking vegan party foods when I go to places so I can impress non-vegans. I get my party going that way. :D

# posted by

singerinkitchen : November 25, 2010 at 12:44 AM

Congratulations on the Food Network appearance. That's really great. For a fun party, I like to make a few different vegan soups along with a variety of go-alongs like toppings and small sandwiches. Makes for a nice casual party with lots of selection so everyone can customize their meal and have just what they want.

# posted by

Teslaca : November 25, 2010 at 9:04 AM

I like to party vegan with lots of new recipes to try out on my guests. It's a fun, unassuming way to introduce then to foods they wouldn't necessarily think about trying otherwise. Thanks for another great giveaway!

# posted by

Lea : November 25, 2010 at 9:09 AM

We party vegan with all kinds of yummy baked goods and we have had alot of vegan brunches with waffles and french toast

# posted by

KellyC42 : November 25, 2010 at 9:46 AM

Partying vegan is one of the many things I am not good at! We go to alot of potlucks and parties in the summer and I must confess I usually take the easy way out and just bring some hummus and chips or salsa. I am in desperate need of this book. I almost went out and bought it for Thanksgiving but decided to hold off and ask for it for my birthday which is soon if I do not win it on this contest. Thanks for all your give-aways and wonderful recipes this month and always!

# posted by

Anonymous : November 25, 2010 at 10:48 AM

i like to party with a potluck!

# posted by

jayedee : November 25, 2010 at 10:53 AM

Hi, Robin! I like to party with a good Beaujolais (Louis Jadot is my favorite). A nice wine helps everyone wind down from the work day and get into a party mood!

# posted by

Jackie Smith : November 25, 2010 at 1:33 PM

I like to party vegan by consuming soy nog and eating bruschetta with pita chips and hummus with pita chips (quick and easy...). Quite yummy! Hope to be able to use the recipes in your book to expand the menu! Happy Thanksgiving...

# posted by

OmnivoreNoMore : November 25, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Thanks for this cool giveaway. I love cookbooks so much.
Any party is my sort of party, as long as there's vegan food & drink.
For my upcoming birthday I'm making a "zebra cake" with vertical stripes of vanilla and chocolate batter. I'm going to use coconut milk, which is my new favourite milk for baking, and I'm going to cover it in pink icing and decorate it with stars (I turn 32, which is "space" in ASCII). ;)

# posted by

phoenix : November 25, 2010 at 4:10 PM

I like to party vegan by making "uncheeses" that taste so good, even my non-vegan friends are wildly impressed. Set delectable spreads like hummus, crock "cheeze", nacho "cheeze" dips out with crackers and chips, and surprise and delight one and all!

# posted by

Becky : November 25, 2010 at 4:29 PM

I think the best way to party vegan is when everyone brings something new. A new recipe for everyone to try. Thanks for the opportunity to win your great book.

# posted by

marshowl : November 25, 2010 at 8:34 PM

I'm a new vegan, and I don't actually know any other vegans nearby. When I host parties, I like to introduce omnivores to great vegan food!

# posted by

palindrome : November 25, 2010 at 9:36 PM

Thanks for the great give away! I think my favorite way to 'party vegan' is to get together with a large group of friends and have a pot luck of everyone's favorite yummy dishes. That way, you get to test out new things and learn about some new recipes that you may never have gotten the chance to try otherwise! Cookie swap parties are fun too!

# posted by

Meredith : November 26, 2010 at 8:17 AM

Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. Your soup look so much like our butternut squash soup (made with Thai red curry powder and coconut milk) that I know it's wonderful, especially with that striacha. Yeah, so I can't spell but I love hot pepper sauces. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We're all thankful for you and your talent.

# posted by

laurelvb : November 26, 2010 at 10:43 AM

I like to party vegan with a variety of dips, wine, and a LOT of desserts!

# posted by

Amanda : November 26, 2010 at 11:53 AM

To party vegan, I set up a grazing bar- nibbles, dips, spreads, pates, anything you can dunk a veggie stick, pita chip, or crouton in- I confess that nibbles are my downfall; I don't want dinner after!

# posted by

Carolyn : November 26, 2010 at 1:21 PM

I like to party vegan with some sort of dip, usually with veggies, to start (or some spring rolls and sauce), beer of course, usually a big pot of something (chili, pad thai, etc.) and a great dessert. It varies. I don't often have a ton of people over, but I try to do this even when just one friend comes over!

# posted by

Tanya : November 26, 2010 at 2:09 PM

I party vegan with a potluck! Preferably brunch, so you can serve food from any mealtime, start drinking before noon, and eat all day with your best pals.

# posted by

meave : November 26, 2010 at 6:07 PM

I bought party vegan & vegan on the cheap for my daughter in law for Christmas and I got vegan on the cheap for myself, it is fantastic...but I did not buy Party Vegan for myself...so here I am hoping I can win it. Robin your books are all great and I know my daughter in law and I will both enjoy all the recipes on vegan on the cheap...this cookbook is AWESOME..

# posted by

Millie : November 26, 2010 at 6:55 PM

I love to "party vegan" with a smorgasbord of various vegan treats (cookies, pomegranates, sushi, etc). I like it when making those delicious treats is a part of the party - that way everyone can see how easy it is to make it all!

# posted by

Colleen : November 26, 2010 at 8:17 PM

I like to party vegan with plenty of dips and spreads on crunchy veggies or crackers/pita chips. YUM

# posted by

Ree : November 26, 2010 at 9:53 PM

I like to party vegan with my awesome vegan nachos.

# posted by

ellie : November 26, 2010 at 11:17 PM

I like to party vegan by letting my awesome vegan food stand on its own!

# posted by

Julie : November 27, 2010 at 1:27 AM

Mmm... I love kabocha squash.

I love making lots of sushi and cupcakes. Everyone else can bring the rest.

# posted by

Megan : November 27, 2010 at 10:47 AM

To say "Yum" to the photo of the cheescacke is simply too inadequate!

# posted by

Sharen : November 27, 2010 at 11:06 AM

I love to make amazing vegan food for parties and holidays and wow people with them. My seitan strogonoff is a always a hit, as well as chocolate cupcakes with vanilla bean icing. It's my form of activism. I love when people ask me for recipes too... so I know vegan cooking is happening in many other kitchens thanks to me.

# posted by

*Autumn Tao* : November 27, 2010 at 11:19 AM

I like to party vegan by bringing a vegan dish like gluten free lentil, butternut squash potpie to every of our local ADF ( neo-pagan druid/ rituals.These are ALWAYS the most popular dishes.

# posted by

Anonymous : November 27, 2010 at 3:11 PM

I'd opt to party vegan "Fiesta" style--with margaritas, and Mexican-themed veggie fare (like seitan fajitas, guacamole, salsa, home-made bean dip, etc.)

# posted by

Maggie : November 27, 2010 at 9:15 PM

I like to party vegan with foods I can make ahead, so I can enjoy time with my family and friends.

# posted by

Elaine : November 28, 2010 at 3:49 PM

I like to party vegan with dishes I can prepare in advance, especially foods with Mediterranean flavors.

# posted by

Elaine : November 28, 2010 at 3:52 PM

i like to party vegan by drinking soy nog and eating lots of bruschetta. wish i had some now...

# posted by

OmnivoreNoMore : November 28, 2010 at 5:23 PM

Oh my, that looks amazing!

I like to party vegan by presenting a table full of amazing vegan food. I recently had a dinner party for my mother than included a variety of food types - five different types of Thai/Vietnamese salad rolls, a seven layer dip with corn chips, elegant filo pastries, Thai noodles, babaganoush and more.

It was so worth it, and fortunately I had printed copies of the recipes and extra of the sauces, because there were requests! None of the guests were not vegan.

# posted by

Desina V : November 28, 2010 at 5:49 PM

I like basing my meal on baked potatoes: incredibly cheap, people like it and helps make thing unofficial

# posted by

Lucyna Wegankiewiczowa : November 28, 2010 at 6:31 PM

I like to party vegan ALL THE TIME. Our group of friends is so close, we make dinner together a few times a week if not more. I love surprising my non-vegan friends with something that they would never guess is animal-product free!

# posted by

♥erin : November 28, 2010 at 8:44 PM

I like to "vegan party" with my daughter, who is an amazing cook! She and I both love your cookbooks, and we enjoy suggesting different recipes for the other to try. I also keep spare copies of Vegan Planet on hand to lend to people, so they can "vegan party," too, even for every day meals. Your cookbooks are great for new/wannabe vegetarians, as well as old-timers like me.

# posted by

Jennie Kerwood : November 28, 2010 at 8:47 PM

Of course I do more elaborate menus sometimes, but my favorite way to entertain is with a big kettle of wonderful soup and fresh homemade bread.
My guests always approve!

# posted by

Unknown : November 29, 2010 at 7:21 AM

Would love some Party ideas to share with my family and friends during the holidays

# posted by

bjthompso@comcast.net : November 29, 2010 at 9:09 AM

I would love a copy of Party Vegan! My favorite way to party vegan is to serve an assortment of vegan finger foods & hors d'oeuvres: mini black bean sliders, "meat" balls, "crab" cakes, a variety of dips & pates, and of course a variety of sweet bites too, like mini tarts and cupcakes. It's the perfect way for vegans and omnis alike to get to sample several different delicious vegan creations!

# posted by

Leinana : November 29, 2010 at 10:05 AM

I party vegan with a theme, a matching table scape, and at least 4 courses.

# posted by

Vegun Chef : November 29, 2010 at 10:06 AM

I'm a new vegan, but I imagine partying isn't much different as long as it's with friends and people I love. We celebrated a vegan Thanksgiving with meat-eating friends that ask lots of questions to show them it really isn't hard to make a yummy meal without animal products!

# posted by

Dani : November 29, 2010 at 10:42 AM

I like to party vegan by veganising the parties from my childhood. My next party is going to be an all-vegan Aussie BBQ Christmas. I'm thinking soy-cream trifle, creamy pasta salad, and charred "snags" on the BBQ with lots of tomato sauce (ketchup for you Americans : D )

# posted by

Georgie : November 29, 2010 at 10:57 AM

I am sadly lacking when it comes to ideas for party vegan food. I end up taking veggies and hummus every single time. I enjoy that but I would like something new and exciting to present to friends and family

# posted by

Quiltbug : November 29, 2010 at 11:24 AM

I like to party vegan with an out of this world alcoholic punch, appetizers that don't require napkins or utensils, and desserts that are mini sized.

# posted by

The Kuntrageous Vegan : November 29, 2010 at 11:44 AM

Thanks for a chance for the cookbook giveaway... I'm also a huge fan of potlucks. I've been to plenty and i usually like to bring something new and different each time.

# posted by

Punkin Nerd : November 29, 2010 at 12:59 PM

To party vegan, I like to contribute a vegan foods to a potluck that includes non-vegan food to show folks that non-weird and yummy stuff comes from plants!

# posted by

NIH : November 29, 2010 at 1:13 PM

I like to Party Vegan, with a group of my friends, vegan and non-vegan. We get together, drink, talk, argue. Then when it's time to eat I like to WOW them with whatever vegan treat (savory or sweet) that gets scarfed down with out a crumb left, before anyone asks me if it's vegan.

# posted by

motull : November 29, 2010 at 2:03 PM

I like to party vegan with my family who don't know they are eating vegan food and absolutely love the food!

# posted by

Brandi : November 29, 2010 at 4:24 PM

I like to party vegan with some kind of enthic theme, like indian food or mexican food or ethipian food. Thanks for the great giveaway!

# posted by

Kim : November 29, 2010 at 5:44 PM

I like when people try the vegan food I bring to parties and like it better than the non-vegan versions.

# posted by

Tami : November 29, 2010 at 10:15 PM

I like to party vegan by bringing a dish that isn't too far of a leap and having recipe cards with me so that when someone asks for it...it is right there for them! They are more likely to try it sooner rather than later if they do not have to wait on me to remember to send it in an email :-)

# posted by

Veggie Trail Girl : November 29, 2010 at 10:31 PM

I need help with social hours! And that is one of your books that I don't have yet!!!!

# posted by

Nancy G : November 30, 2010 at 8:46 AM

When partying I'm all about fingerfood. Several dips and veggie sticks plus some homemade bread are all it takes. There will also always be some kind of dessert since that's what I love preparing most!

# posted by

Unknown : November 30, 2010 at 9:46 AM

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Kabocha Soup with Coconut-Sriracha Swirl + Party Vegan Giveaway!

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