Instant Pot Linutik na Kalabasa / Filipino Butternut Squash Soup
One of the dishes I grew up with in the Philippines when my mom wanted to feed us vegetables is Linutik na Kalabasa / Squash Soup. It’s such a simple and easy to make healthy dish that’s made easier and quicker when you use the instant pot!
This recipe that I am excited to share – Linutik na Kalabasa is a classic Ilonggo squash soup. It is basically my hometown’s version of the Pumpkin Soup. This dish was a beloved part of my mom’s repertoire of vegetable dishes during my upbringing in Bacolod and it holds a special place in my heart.
In Ilonggo cuisine, we assume “linutik” may have been derived from the word latik which essentially means to make a syrup. In Negros where my hometown Bacolod is, this word commonly refers to a coconut and sugar reduction used in various desserts. Interestingly, while Linutik na Kalabasa is a savory soup, its name finds inspiration in the process of creating a syrup-like consistency. In fact, in some regions like Iloilo, it is also referred to as “nilatik na kalabasa.”
As I recreate this traditional recipe, I am transported back to my childhood, where the aroma of coconut and the warmth of home-cooked meals filled our kitchen. Linutik na Kalabasa was a delightful side dish that accompanied many of our family meals, my favorite pairing of it being stinky and oh so salty dried fish.
In this delightful soup, the star ingredient is the velvety butternut squash, simmered to perfection in a luscious coconut milk base. The combination of these two elements creates a harmonious blend of flavors. To enhance it even more, I incorporated another hallmark of Ilonggo cuisine: fresh shrimp. The succulent shrimp adds a delightful seafood essence, elevating the dish to new heights. Of course, feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. You can also add umami notes with a touch of shrimp paste or fish sauce, should you desire an extra depth of flavor.
So, let’s gather our ingredients, toggle On the Instant Pot, and embark on a culinary adventure filled with love, memories, and the delightful taste of Linutik na Kalabasa.
Instant Pot Linutik na Kalabasa / Filipino Butternut Squash Soup
Course: Entree, Sides4
servings10
minutes25
minutes311
kcalIngredients
Ingredients:
2 lbs butternut squash, cleaned, seeded and chopped into 1 inch cubes
1 lb shrimp, head off, deveined,
1 onion, sliced
1 cup water
1 can or 1.5 cups coconut milk
1 bunch spinach / moringa leaves
Salt and pepper
- For umami, you can use either of these 2
1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
Directions
- Procedure:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and saute the onions until soft, about 2-4 minutes.
- Add the butternut squash to the Instant Pot and mix well.
- Pour in the water and change the setting of the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release and open the Instant Pot.
- Use a wooden spoon to mash some of the larger pieces of squash.
- Add the coconut milk to the Instant Pot and mix until well incorporated.
- Change the Instant Pot setting to “Saute” and let the soup cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- If using, add the shrimp paste or fish sauce for umami flavor, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add the spinach or moringa leaves to the pot and mix well. The leaves will wilt quickly due to the soup’s heat.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional Facts: Calories: 311, Total Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 186mg, Total Carbohydrate: 32g, Dietary Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 15g
- Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, as well as any additional seasonings or condiments added.
