Peanut Butter Squash Curry
Peanut Butter Squash Curry is a comforting, rich, and creamy vegan curry that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory peanut butter, coconut milk, and warm spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a nourishing and satisfying meal that is gluten-free and adaptable to many dietary preferences.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Vegetable oil for sautéing
- Prepare the Squash: Start by peeling and cubing your butternut squash into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and allow the squash to fully absorb the curry flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to build a flavorful curry base.
- Cook the Squash: Add the cubed squash and vegetable broth to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender, softening it for blending or mashing.
- Blend and Add Peanut Butter: Stir in the peanut butter and coconut milk. Mix well as they melt into a creamy sauce. You may lightly mash some of the squash for texture or fully blend the curry for a silky smooth consistency.
- Finish with Lime and Garnish: Add a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, adjust salt to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for the best flavor balance.
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens the rich curry and prevents heaviness.
- Simmer gently when adding coconut milk and peanut butter to avoid curdling.
- Roasting the squash before cooking adds extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust curry thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Curry, Butternut Squash Curry, Vegan Curry, Gluten Free Curry, Creamy Curry, Comfort Food, Healthy Curry