Skip to main content

Butternut Squash Curry

Rather than relying on store-bought curry paste, this dish uses a quick homemade version that’s incomparably fresh and vibrantly flavored. For a thicker curry, mash some of the squash with the back of a wooden spoon.

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice
5 cups plus 1 tablespoon water
2 small butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeded
1 large onion, cut into large chunks
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or safflower
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place rice in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil; stir once, and reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until rice is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes (covered).

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cut solid sections of squash into large chunks and seeded sections into 3/4-inch thick wedges. Puree onion, garlic, and 1 tablespoon water in a blender until smooth.

    Step 3

    Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium. Add the mustard and fennel seeds and the coriander; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the onion paste and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 4

    Add tomato paste, and cook 1 minute, stirring and scraping bottom of pot, if needed. Stir in remaining 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and red pepper flakes. Add squash, and cover partially. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer gently until squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

    Step 5

    Fluff rice with a fork, then divide among four bowls. Spoon curry mixture on top, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 337

    Step 8

    Saturated Fat: .6g

    Step 9

    Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g

    Step 10

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 11

    Carbohydrates: 70g

    Step 12

    Protein: 7.2g

    Step 13

    Sodium: 1052mg

    Step 14

    Fiber: 7.6g

Power Foods
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.