Rather than relying on store-bought curry paste, this dish uses a quick homemade version that’s incomparably fresh and vibrantly flavored. For a thicker curry, mash some of the squash with the back of a wooden spoon.

　　

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice

　　5 cups plus 1 tablespoon water

　　2 small butternut squash (2 pounds), peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeded

　　1 large onion, cut into large chunks

　　4 garlic cloves

　　1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or safflower

　　1 teaspoon mustard seeds

　　1 teaspoon fennel seeds

　　1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

　　1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

　　2 tablespoons tomato paste

　　Coarse salt

　　1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

　　Cilantro, for garnish

　　Lime wedges, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Place rice in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil; stir once, and reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until rice is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes (covered).

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, cut solid sections of squash into large chunks and seeded sections into 3/4-inch thick wedges. Puree onion, garlic, and 1 tablespoon water in a blender until smooth.

　　

Step 3

Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium. Add the mustard and fennel seeds and the coriander; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the onion paste and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Add tomato paste, and cook 1 minute, stirring and scraping bottom of pot, if needed. Stir in remaining 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and red pepper flakes. Add squash, and cover partially. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer gently until squash is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

　　

Step 5

Fluff rice with a fork, then divide among four bowls. Spoon curry mixture on top, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

　　

Nutrition Information

Step 6

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 7

Calories: 337

　　

Step 8

Saturated Fat: .6g

　　

Step 9

Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g

　　

Step 10

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrates: 70g

　　

Step 12

Protein: 7.2g

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 1052mg

　　

Step 14

Fiber: 7.6g

　　Power Foods