BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CHICKPEA CURRY

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Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry image

"INDIAN CUSINE is traditionally vegetarian, and you don't miss the meat because the spices are so rich" notes Chef Meeru Dhalwala. MY NOTES: Cook time does not include time for precooking chickpeas (I used canned) or cooking basmati rice. Although this recipe calls for 1 teaspoon cayenne, I found it to be moderately spicy, adjust to your liking. The brown sugar, butternut squash and yogurt tempers the heat. The brown sugar does not make this overly sweet, IMO. I searched high & low for the equivalent of whole cloves vs. ground and found several different answers. I am suggesting 1/2 teaspoon adding a dash or two more to taste. Serves 4 as the main entree or makes a great side dish.

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon ground cumin
10 whole cloves, approx. 1/2 teaspoon ground, more to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup tomato puree, I used 8 oz. tomato sauce
2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 cups chickpeas, cooked, I used 2 16 oz. cans, rinsed
1 cup Greek yogurt, plain for topping
3 scallions, sliced for garnish
1/4 cup broth, for thinning vegetable, chicken (optional)
basmati rice, cooked, 1/2 -1 C per person more as desired

Steps:

  • Start cooking your basmati rice.
  • Move oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Set a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add butter and cook until melted and foam subsides, about 2 minutes. Careful not to burn, (it is ok if the butter browns a bit while cooking. My butter browned and it still tasted great).
  • Stir in turmeric, cumin, cloves, salt, cayenne and sugar and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in tomato purée/ sauce and squash until well combined.
  • Transfer to a large casserole dish, (cover, although not specified, I covered to retain moisture) and bake on middle rack of oven until squash is browned and easily pierced with a sharp knife, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove casserole from oven. Stir in chickpeas until well combined.
  • Return to oven and roast, uncovered, until chickpeas are heated through, about 5 -10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  • Remove the whole cloves if using.
  • Although this recipe does does not call for broth, if you would like more sauce, add vegetable or chicken broth to thin.
  • Serve over basmati rice. Garnish with scallions and a dollop of yogurt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 512, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 7.9, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 1260, Carbohydrate 88.9, Fiber 15.6, Sugar 20.4, Protein 12.7

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