Squash, Spinach & Chickpea Curry with Turmeric Blend
This super-simple curry gets volumes of flavor—and an anti-inflammatory punch—from a DIY curry blend that starts with turmeric.
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What you need to know about turmeric powder
Rich in curcumin, a powerful compound that has anti-inflammatory, heart protective and cancer-preventive benefits, turmeric is best combined with black pepper to increase its absorption and availability. Try adding turmeric powder and black pepper to scrambled eggs or cooked quinoa; purée with coconut milk, honey and pepper for a healing drink; or toss with cauliflower florets, black pepper, olive oil and garlic and roast until tender.
Tip: The recipe calls for more spice blend than you’ll need; store the rest in an airtight jar.
See also: More ways to sneak superfoods into your suppers
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp ground turmeric (TRY: Simply Organic Turmeric)
- 4 tsp each ground coriander and cumin
- 2 tsp each ground black pepper and dry mustard
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash or pumpkin
- 1 13.5-oz BPA-free can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 15-oz BPA-free can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Preparation
- In a small jar with a lid, combine turmeric, coriander, cumin, black pepper, mustard, cinnamon and cayenne. Shake to mix; set aside.
- In a medium pot, heat oil. Add onions and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add 2 to 1 tbsp turmeric mixture (reserve remaining spice mixture for another use) and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add broth and squash; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partly covered, for 10 minutes, until squash is tender.
- Transfer half of cooked squash to a blender, add coconut milk and purée until smooth. Return to pot and add chickpeas, spinach and peas; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until chickpeas and peas are heated through and spinach is wilted. Transfer to serving bowls and top with basil.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size ¼ of recipe
- Calories 423
- Carbohydrate Content 39 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 27 g
- Fiber Content 10 g
- Protein Content 13 g
- Saturated Fat Content 21 g
- Sodium Content 96 mg
- Sugar Content 7 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 1 g