Description
Peanut Butter Squash Curry is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter and a blend of aromatic spices. This easy-to-make vegetarian and gluten-free curry is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering a nutritious, satisfying dish that tastes even better as leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: Toasted peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube your butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion, mince garlic and ginger. Drain and rinse your chickpeas so they’re ready to go.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. Stir well and toast the spices for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Combine Squash and Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cubed squash. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in Peanut Butter and Chickpeas: Once the squash is tender, whisk in the peanut butter until the curry is smooth and creamy. Add the chickpeas and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten the dish before serving. Garnish with toasted peanuts if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or recently ground spices to maximize flavor.
- If the squash tastes too sweet, balance it with a pinch of salt or a splash of tamari.
- Allow the squash to simmer gently for a creamy texture.
- Adjust the curry consistency by adding more broth for soupiness or simmering uncovered to thicken.
- This curry tastes better the next day, so make it ahead for improved flavors.
- To make vegan, ensure to use maple syrup instead of honey if adding a sweetener.
- Substitute chickpeas with tofu or lentils for different textures.
- Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for nut allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Curry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: peanut butter curry, butternut squash curry, vegetarian curry, vegan dinner, gluten free curry, peanut butter squash recipe, easy curry recipe, one pot curry