Serves about 4
2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
1/4 tsp black mustard seeds (actually they look brown!)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
6 curry leaves,optional
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 tbsp good curry powder
4 cups peeled and cubed (1 1/2 inch cubes) butternut squash
2 cups of water, vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
3 cups tightly packed baby spinach
Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the mustard seeds if using. When they start to pop, add the cumin seeds and curry leaves and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds
Add the onions and cook till they are light brown, then throw in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or till fragrant
Sprinkle 4 tbsp curry powder, stir then add the peeled and cubed squash and salt.
Pour in 2 cups of water or stock and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat to a lively simmer, cover the pot and let the squash cook till it is fork tender, about 20 minutes.
If the water/stock is drying up before the pumpkin is cooked, add more. If there is too much liquid, boil it until it reduces down.
When the squash is cooked, add the coconut milk and remaining 1 tbsp curry powder. Stir and bring back to the boil.
When the curry boils, add the spinach and cook just till the spinach wilts, about 1 minutes.
Serve hot with rice, bread, roti or quinoa.
Optional – For added sweetness, garnish the curry with some dried cranberries.