CHICKPEA AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH CURRY

This chickpea and butternut squash curry will become your family’s staple if you give it a try. I am certain you will love it as much as we do!

It’s no wonder we eat them regularly,there are not too many things that are better than a good curry coupled with crispy poppadoms dipped in mango chutney and lime chilli pickle!

This particular curry is called Korma which is a blend of aromatic spices like ginger and coriander and yogurt.  If you are not familiar with Indian food it’s an excellent one to start with because of its creamy consistency and mild taste, even kids will love it.

Traditionally, korma is cooked with meat but this version is meat free.

Chickpea and Butternut Squash Curry Recipe



Ingredients

• Oil-1 tbs.
• Onion chopped-2 medium
• Garlic chopped - 3-4 cloves
• Cilantro chopped (stalks and leaves separated, stalks reserved)- 1 bunch
• Butternut Squash diced- 1 medium
• Chickpeas- 1 can
• Patak's Korma Paste or any other curry paste not cooking sauce- 2 tbsp.
• Coconut Milk- 1 can
• Water- 1 cup
• Spinach- 100 gr
• Frozen Peas- 1/2 cup
• Desiccated unsweetened coconut optional- 2 tbsp.
• Salt- to taste
• Basmati Rice- 2 cups

Instructions

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large and deep pan and cook chopped onions, garlic and cilantro stalks over low heat for 10 minutes until soft and slightly coloured.
2. Meanwhile dice your butternut squash to match the size of chickpeas. I leave the skin on as I discovered it cooks very nicely and eliminates a lot of unnecessary work. When the onions are tender add the curry paste and cook for a minute or so stirring the whole time, then add your squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, water and a pinch of salt, bring it to a boil by turning the heat up, then turn the heat down to a low-medium and simmer it covered for 35-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent from burning and add a few splashes of water if it gets too dry.
3. Start on the rice. Cook your rice in the rice cooker according to the manufacture's instructions.
4. Test the butternut squash, it should be fork tender by this point but not falling apart. Your curry should be thick so if it's too runny, uncover and let the liquid cook down for a few more minutes. When you are satisfied with the consistency of the curry stir in peas, spinach and cilantro leaves, cover with a lid and take off the heat.
5. Serve with steaming hot basmati rice. We love having naan bread or chapattis and various Indian pickles and chutney with our curries. My children go crazy for crunchy poppadums!

Recipe Adapted : CHICKPEA AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH CURRY @ vikalinka