Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

I tried to think of a catchy name for this dish instead of the cumbersome (yet descriptive) “Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry” that it is, but Butterpea or Chicknut really didn’t convey what it was.

Chicknut.

I’m hilarious.

Please don't be afraid of all the spices in this dish. It is so worth it for the complex flavour that develops.

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry Serves 6-8

1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp curry powder
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
2 large carrots, chopped
1 medium butternut squash, cubed
3 cups veggie stock
2-3 cups cooked chickpeas*
1 bunch kale, chopped
1 can of coconut milk

Rice, cauliflower rice, bulgur, quinoa, or other grain for serving.

Directions

1.) In an Instant Pot on medium sauté, heat the oil and onion and cook until translucent.
2.) Add the garlic and cook for a minute or so.
3.) Gather all the spices into one small bowl. Add them to the onion and garlic, stirring constantly for a minute to wake them up.
4.) Add in the butternut squash and carrots and stir to coat them in the spices.
5.) Add the stock. Put on the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
6.) Quick release the steam and puree the mixture, either by using a hand blender or by transferring it to a powerful stand blender.
7.) Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and kale and cook for another 5 minutes on high pressure.
8.) Quick release and ladle portions over whatever grain you choose. It also pairs well with tales of fishing trips gone by.
This tastes even better the next day when all of the flavours have mingled over night.

*You can use a can of chickpeas, which is two cups, or if you're scratch cooking, as much as you want. I like more chickpeas in mine, so I scratch make at least three cups to add.

I hope you've all been staying warm over the last few weeks. I spend my days bundled head to toe in arctic fleece pajamas.

I have no shame admitting that I often wear my jammie shirts under my coat at school pick-up and drop-off. A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.