Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry with Garam Masala Recipe
This Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry with Garam Masala is a warm and hearty dish that combines sweet squash with savory chickpeas and aromatic spices. Perfect for any day or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated or minced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
- Cooked rice or naan bread (for serving)
- Begin by peeling the butternut squash, removing the seeds, and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait about 2 minutes until the oil is hot.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly golden. This gives the curry a nice flavor base.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and optional chili powder over the onion mixture. Stir well and let it roast for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the diced butternut squash and stir thoroughly with the spices and onions. Let everything sauté for about 5 minutes to lightly brown the squash.
- Pour the coconut milk and diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Add the chickpeas and spinach and stir well. Let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lime juice if desired. Let it come to a brief boil again before removing it from the heat.
- Serve the curry hot with cooked rice or naan bread and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Be careful not to overcook the squash, as it can become mushy. Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aroma. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.