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Butternut Squash Curry

Rather than relying on store-bought curry paste, this dish uses a quick homemade version that’s incomparably fresh and vibrantly flavored. For a thicker curry, mash some of the squash with the back of a wooden spoon.

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice
5 cups plus 1 tablespoon water
2 small butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeded
1 large onion, cut into large chunks
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or safflower
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place rice in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil; stir once, and reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until rice is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes (covered).

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cut solid sections of squash into large chunks and seeded sections into 3/4-inch thick wedges. Puree onion, garlic, and 1 tablespoon water in a blender until smooth.

    Step 3

    Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium. Add the mustard and fennel seeds and the coriander; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the onion paste and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes.

    Step 4

    Add tomato paste, and cook 1 minute, stirring and scraping bottom of pot, if needed. Stir in remaining 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and red pepper flakes. Add squash, and cover partially. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer gently until squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

    Step 5

    Fluff rice with a fork, then divide among four bowls. Spoon curry mixture on top, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 337

    Step 8

    Saturated Fat: .6g

    Step 9

    Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g

    Step 10

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 11

    Carbohydrates: 70g

    Step 12

    Protein: 7.2g

    Step 13

    Sodium: 1052mg

    Step 14

    Fiber: 7.6g

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