Harvest kuri curry

This tasty curry features red kuri, a beautiful winter squash.

Photo by Frédérique Voisin-Demery (CC BY 2.0)

If red kuri is not available in your area, feel free to substitute a winter squash of your choice. Red kuri is a naturally sweet, versatile squash that is great for baking and stuffing, in addition to stir-frys and curries. Kuri, like all winter squash, is high in vitamins A, C, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as the minerals calcium, potassium and iron and an excellent source of fiber. Winter squash have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood sugar benefits. Enjoy this beautiful dish on a crisp autumn’s day.

Prep

• ½ cup coconut, shredded
• 1 medium red kuri squash
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 sweet onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger
• 3 cups cauliflower
• 2 cups kale
• 1 lime
• quinoa

Preheat oven to 350°.

Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Cut squash in half; spread 1 tablespoon coconut oil on cut sides. Place in a baking dish cut sides down and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.

While squash is baking, prep other ingredients. Peel and dice onion. Peel and press or mince garlic. Grate ginger. Chop cauliflower and kale. Juice lime.

Following package instructions, make enough quinoa for 4 servings.

Curry

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoon coriander, ground
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon mustard, ground
• 1 teaspoon chile powder, ground
• ½ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cardamon
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can coconut milk

Sauté onion, garlic and ginger in 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. When onion is translucent, add cauliflower, spices and chicken broth. Simmer 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is al dente.

When squash is cooked, scoop out flesh and add to cauliflower. Stir in kale, coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer until kale is bright green and tender, stirring occasionally.

Serve
Ladle over quinoa and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

Preparation: 30 minutes active, plus 45 minutes to bake
Serves: 4