This is a bowl of comfort — warm, creamy, and just the right amount of spice. The chickpeas make it hearty enough for a full meal, and the coconut milk with lime gives it that perfect balance of rich and fresh.
Ingredients:
2 tsp avocado oil
1 small white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
3 tbsp red curry paste
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1 heaping cup peeled and chopped carrot (about 2 carrots)
4–5 cups peeled and cubed kabocha squash (about 1 small squash/Note below about prepping)
1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) full-fat or light coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
1–2 tbsp lime juice (to taste)
1 tbsp white miso paste (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare your squash and veggies first.
🌿 Whole Body Tip: How to Tame Your Kabocha
Kabocha squash can feel like a small boulder when you first pick it up — its skin is thick, but that’s what locks in all that sweet, creamy goodness inside. To make it easier to cut, pierce the skin a few times with a sharp knife and microwave it for 2–3 minutes, or place it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Let it cool just a bit, then slice through carefully with a sturdy knife.
Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add curry paste, carrot, and bell pepper, and stir well to coat the veggies. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Add the squash, chickpeas, coconut milk, broth, maple syrup, soy sauce, and miso (if using). Bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the squash is tender and the curry thickens slightly.
Finish with fresh lime juice and taste to adjust seasonings.
Serve warm over brown rice, quinoa, or solo topped with cilantro and chopped cashews or peanuts.
Pro Tip: For a little heat, add a minced chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you stir in the coconut milk.