Curried butternut squash

July 19, 2008 · Filed under curry · Tagged butternut squash, chickpeas, curry, garlic, indian, onions, recipe, spinach, vegan

I bought a butternut squash for the first time last week and decided to make a curry based on recollections of the delicious curried squash sometimes included in the vegetable thali at Ceylonta, an Ottawa restaurant which specializes in Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine. In case you are also new to the wonderful world of butternut squash, I recommend checking this video out; it might make your peeling experience a little easier :). My recipe makes one large serving, and is a work in progress.

Curried butternut squash

1 t black mustard seeds
1 t cumin seeds
½ c onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 t minced garlic (optional, unless you really dig garlic!)
½ T curry powder
1 t coriander powder
1 c butternut squash, cubed
2 baby potatoes, cubed (optional)
¼ c chickpeas
1 c spinach

1. I did not temper the spices in oil, but would suggest doing so if you would like to experience the full flavour of the black mustard and cumin seeds. Instead, I heated about a ¼ c of water (I used a small pot; use enough to cover the bottom of your pot or skillet), and added the black mustard and cumin seeds. If you are using oil, heat until the black mustard seeds begin to pop (this happens very quickly; be vigilant!).
2. Add the onions and garlic next and heat them until the onions become transparent. Watch the pot carefully, and add more water if necessary to avoid burning them.
3. Once the onions are ready, add approximately ½ c of water, the curry powder, coriander powder, squash and potatoes. Turn the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add the spinach and chickpeas, and cook for another five minutes.

I was on a real curry kick this week and decided to try out another curry for supper the next day.

This is a hybrid of the Happy Herbivore‘s Channa Palak Masala and Indian Spiced Chickpeas and Kale. It was so dang good, that I made it twice; once with chickpeas, and once with kidney beans. I used spinach on both occasions.

– Aly