Gourmets Southeast Asian Squash Curry Recipes

THAI BUTTERNUT SQUASH RED CURRY

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Add the shallots and saute them for 5-6 minutes or until they just begin to get golden. Add the butternut squash and grated ginger, stir to coat with the oil.
• Add the red curry paste, yellow curry powder and stir until all the butternut squash is nicely coated. Continue to cook the curry paste for 2-3 minutes or until it's fragrant. Add the broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Let the sauce come to a simmer before covering. Lower the heat and allow the squash to cook all the way through, about 12-18 minutes. You'll know it's done when you can easily pierce the butternut squash with the tip of a knife. Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt.
• Serve with basmati rice topped with crushed nuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN SQUASH CURRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sauté squash with cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil to skillet and cook onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup coconut milk from top of can and cook, stirring, until fat starts to separate and look glossy, about 2 minutes. Add curry paste and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
• Add squash, water, cinnamon, cloves, and remaining coconut milk and simmer, covered, until squash is tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook, covered, until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in fish sauce. Sprinkle with cashews.

SUMMER SQUASH CURRY, SHELLFISH OPTIONAL

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened without browning, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic, ginger, chile, turmeric, fish sauce (or soy sauce, for vegetarians) and lime zest and juice, stir, and cook for an additional minute. Add coconut milk, bring to a simmer and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add summer squash and peas, if using, and cook gently until just tender but still firm, about 5 minutes more. Turn off the heat.
• Meanwhile, if using mussels and squid, put 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a soup pot over high heat. Add mussels, stir, and cover. When mussels begin to open, after 3 or 4 minutes, add squid, stir and cook, covered, for 2 minutes more. Turn off heat. (Skip this step for a vegetarian version of the recipe.)
• Transfer squash and sauce to a deep, wide serving dish or divide among large soup bowls. If using, scatter mussels and squid over the top. Garnish with mint, basil and cilantro.