Vegan Thai Butternut Squash Curry

Love Thai food

It's one of my favorite cuisines after Indian and Italian because of its spicy flavors. The flavors and ingredients are so different and lip-smacking. No wonder, it is one of the most popular world cuisines. Plus they have great vegetarian and vegan options! The other thing I love about Thai cooking is that it places emphasis on simply prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. I enjoy cooking Thai food at home and we enjoy dining at Thai restaurants wherever we travel. Thai Basil Veggie Noodles, Thai Curry Noodles Soup, Thai fried rice, and One-Pot Spicy Thai Noodles are my favorite recipes to make at home besides vegetable Thai curry.

Pumpkins and Squashes

It's that time of the year when the pumpkins and squash reign supreme. In fact, I just made myself the first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season and it was so good. This vegetarian Thai butternut squash curry is one of my favorite Fall recipes. The red curry paste and coconut milk when mixed with vegetables, results in an aromatic, creamy, and delicious Thai curry. Plus they are very healthy because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also, they are very easy to cook with and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

I enjoy making dishes like these that are indulgent yet healthy too! This vegan butternut squash and chickpea curry is very quick and easy to make! This vegetarian red curry is an excellent dish to start with for beginners because of its simplicity, creamy consistency, and mild taste. Even kids will love it. This is why I am sure you'll want to add this vegetable Thai curry to your regular rotation! It's a keeper. 

Why make this

• Vegan and Gluten-free
• Meal-Prep friendly
• An Instant Pot Curry
• Refrigerates and Freezes well
• Can be made in 45 minutes
• Needs just 8 ingredients
• The flavors are well balanced
• Easy weeknight recipe
• Can be served with anything and in any season

Butternut Squash - You can either buy the whole one or diced frozen ones. I have used pre-cut butternut squash cubes here. If using the whole one, peel off the skin first.

Chickpeas - I prefer using dry chickpeas and soaking them overnight. But you can also use canned chickpeas to save on cooking time.

Vegan Thai Red Curry paste - Nowadays, it's very easy to get vegan Thai curry paste. I have used this one. But you can easily make vegetarian/vegan red Thai curry paste at home. I got mine from an Indian grocery store. You can also find it on Amazon.

Greens - The addition of greens just makes this curry more healthy. I have used beet leaves. Use any green vegetables you have, like spinach, kale, beet leaves, etc. 

Unsweetened Coconut Milk - Use lite or full fat. If you don't like the flavor of coconut milk, swap it with cream, yogurt, or any other milk. 

Other two basic ingredients that will add in so much flavor to this chickpeas and squash curry are ginger-garlic paste and cilantro.

How to make it 🔪

Watch the recipe video above or follow these easy steps to make this Chickpea Butternut Squash Thai curry. 

Instant Pot Version

Soak chickpeas in water for about 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and keep it aside for now.

1. Turn on the Instant Pot in saute mode. Add coconut oil.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and minced Thai red chili pepper. Fry for 10 seconds.
3. Next add the greens, mix, and cook for 15 seconds.
4. Then add the vegan red curry paste and ½ cup water. Cook till it comes to a boil.
5. Now add diced butternut squash and cook for a minute.
6. Add the soaked and drained chickpeas to the pot.
7. Mix, add salt, and 3-4 cups of water/vegetable stock. Turn off the Instant pot and close the lid.
8. Cook for 35 minutes in manual/pressure/beans mode. Release pressure naturally.
9. Open the lid, give it a stir. Turn it back on in saute mode. Pour coconut milk and chopped cilantro. Cook it for a minute. Then turn off the Instant Pot.

Stovetop Version

Chef Tip - Using canned chickpeas will save on cooking time. 

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan, saute red curry paste for 2-3 minutes. Peel and chop butternut squash. Add it to the pan along with salt.
2. Mix to coat well and saute it and let it cook for 5 minutes. The squash will begin to get tender.
3. Now add coconut milk and water/vegetable stock. Lower the flame and cook for another 7 minutes. 
4. Then add the boiled/canned chickpeas. Mix and let it cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Next, add some greens to it. Add cilantro and spinach. Continue to cook it for 2-3 more minutes. Instant Pot Butternut Squash and Chickpea Vegan Thai Curry is now ready.

Serving Suggestions 🍽

Squeeze some lime juice lemon juice or even rice vinegar on top and serve it warm. This vegan Instant Pot butternut Squash Chickpea Thai Curry can be served with white/brown Jasmine rice. Some other alternative options are cauliflower rice, other grains, or any bread. You can also enjoy it as a hearty soup. Butternut squash and chickpeas make a great combo! This vegetable Thai curry is warm, hearty, comforting, and is the perfect dinner for a cold, or rainy day. Include this in your Thanksgiving/Fall menu. Your guests will love it. 

Top recipe tips 💭

Stir in a tablespoon of lemongrass paste along with the Thai curry paste for more punch to this Instant pot curry. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors if needed. Feel free to use either full-fat or light coconut milk. If you don't like coconut milk, swap it with regular milk or almond milk. If you want to enjoy it as a soup, you can mash/blend it to a puree consistency, using a hand blender. The squash is tender when cooked, so if you're doing the curry, take care to not mash the pieces too much. You want the texture of the squash to stand out.

Recipe FAQs 📖