With a bit of red Thai curry paste, some cans of garbanzo beans and coconut milk, regular pumpkin is turned into an aromatic hot pot that can be served as a mildly spiced vegetarian curry, with more paste added for heat rather than warmth, with plain-cooked rice. Or think of it as a rich, chunky soup and pour into bowls and make sure everyone has a crusty wedge or two of good bread to dunk in, absorbing the sweet, spiced juice. This is good, fragrant weeknight cooking. Feel free to substitute butternut squash for the pumpkin.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste, or to taste (available in Asian markets and specialty food stores)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 pounds peeled seeded pumpkin, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
  • 2 15-ounce cans coconut milk
  • 1 cup homemade or canned chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup loosely packed finely chopped cilantro leaves
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

      1232 calories; 69 grams fat; 42 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 grams polyunsaturated fat; 126 grams carbohydrates; 35 grams dietary fiber; 26 grams sugars; 41 grams protein; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 2289 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

4 to 6 servings

Preparation

  1. Place a large wide pan over medium heat, and add oil. When hot, add onion and salt, and sauté until softened but not browned. Add curry paste, and sauté for 1 minute. Add cumin and coriander.
  2. Raise heat to medium-high, and add pumpkin. Stir for about 1 minute. Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth and soy sauce. Partly cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until pumpkin is almost tender, about 20 minutes.
  3. Add chickpeas, partly cover, and simmer for 10 minutes more. Stir gently, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If more heat is desired, add more curry paste. Ladle hot pot into serving bowls, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.

45 minutes

Dining and Cooking