Cashew, Coconut, and Squash Curry

Curry recipes are a great way to bring spice to the dinner table. Try this slightly sweet, mild curry for a boost to your weeknight menu rotation.

This recipe and others like it can be found in the article “The Vegan Dinner Recipes That Are So Good They’ll Even Impress Meat-Eaters.”

1 1/2 qts. peeled, 1 1/2-in. chunks kabocha* or other orange-fleshed winter squash (from a 3-lb. squash)

About 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 onion, halved and cut into half-moons

1 or 2 red or green serrano chiles, minced

1 cinnamon stick (2 1/2 in.)

20 fresh curry leaves* or 6 dried bay leaves

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 can (14.5 oz.) coconut milk

1 cup salted roasted cashews

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steamed basmati rice

Step 1

Sprinkle squash with 1/2 tsp. salt. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown half the squash in oil, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes; reduce heat if squash starts getting dark. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with 1 tbsp. oil and remaining squash.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil in another large frying pan over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer half to the nonstick frying pan and reserve other half in a bowl.

Step 3

Add chiles, cinnamon, and curry leaves to onion in pan. Cook, stirring often, until curry leaves are very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add turmeric, cumin, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring, until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Return squash to nonstick frying pan (with onion) and add coconut milk. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until squash is tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in cashews and lemon juice, and add more salt to taste. Top curry with reserved onion and serve with rice.

Step 5

*Kabocha peels are edible. Find curry leaves in Indian markets.

Step 6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving without rice.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 546Calories from Fat 79

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 48g74%

Saturated Fat 23g115%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 498mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 29g10%

Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
Protein 9.9g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Cashew, Coconut, and Squash Curry