Delicious Mild Chicken Curry with Chickpeas and Squash
Oh, let me tell you about this Mild Chicken, Chickpea, and Squash Curry… It’s one of those dishes that warms your heart on a chilly evening. Picture tender chicken pieces swimming in a creamy coconut sauce, infused with just enough spices to tickle your taste buds without setting them ablaze. And then there are the chickpeas and sweet butternut squash, adding a delightful texture and flavor that makes every bite feel like a hug. Honestly, it’s become a regular in our family, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Crave It
- Super comforting—it just wraps you up in warmth…
- Hearty and filling, but not too heavy, perfect for any time!
- Fresh ingredients you can find pretty easily at most grocery stores.
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week long!
The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop going back for seconds… and thirds!
What You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: about 500g, cut into those lovely bite-sized pieces, you know?
- Chickpeas: one 400g can, drained and rinsed, because who doesn’t love chickpeas?
- Butternut squash: 400g, peeled and diced; it’s like a little nugget of sweetness!
- Onion: one large, finely chopped, for that aromatic base… mmm.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, because, yum, who can resist garlic?
- Ginger: one piece, about 2cm, grated for that warm zing.
- Coconut milk: one 400ml can, creamy deliciousness!
- Curry powder: 1 tablespoon, giving it that beautiful color and flavor.
- Vegetable broth: 500ml to bring it all together—liquid gold!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and flavor.
- Fresh coriander: for a lovely garnish that brightens the dish!
- Salt and pepper: to taste, of course… don’t forget these!
Easy How-To
Getting Started with the Prep
Alright, first things first—let’s gather those ingredients! Chop your chicken, rinse your chickpeas, peel and dice that squash, and so on. It’s kind of therapeutic laying it all out, right? Just makes me feel ready to go, like I’m a chef in a fancy restaurant or something… but, really, just in my cozy kitchen at home.
Time to Cook It Up
Sautéing the Good Stuff
Now, grab a large pan or pot and, um, heat up a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, garlic, and ginger all together… let them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes. You want them to get all soft and translucent. That aroma? It’s simply divine—trust me!
Spicing It Up
Once your onion mix is looking good, sprinkle in the curry powder and stir for about a minute. You really want those spices to mingle and release their fragrance. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of curry wafting through the house?
Bringing in the Chicken
Now, add in your diced chicken. Cook it until it’s browned on all sides—this should take a few minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is sealed and happy before moving on. Stir it up, keep it moving, you know?
Squash and Chickpea Party
Next up, toss in that beautiful butternut squash and your drained chickpeas. It’s like a little party in the pan! Give everything a good stir, letting them get to know each other a bit…
Liquid Love
Now, pour in the coconut milk and, if you need to, add some vegetable broth. Bring it all to a nice simmer—not a boil, but just that gentle bubbling. Oh, it smells so good already!
Let It Simmer
Allow your curry to simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally… don’t just walk away! You want to make sure that squash is perfectly tender and the chicken is cooked through. The flavors will really start to come together during this time.
Taste and Adjust
Alright, taste the curry and see if it needs a little more salt or pepper. This is the moment to make it exactly how you like it! Isn’t it exciting?
Serving the Goodness
Once everything is cooked and lovely, serve the curry hot over some fluffy rice, or with naan bread for dipping. And don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh coriander on top—it looks gorgeous and adds a lovely finish!
Good to Know
- You can totally switch up spices based on what you like… a dash of chili powder if you want some heat, perhaps?
- If you’re feeling vegetarian, just replace the chicken. You could use extra vegetables or some tofu!
- Leftovers? They’re gold! Keep it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for later—just reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to eat!
Serving Ideas
- It goes wonderfully with garlic naan, or you could try it with fluffy quinoa for a different twist.
Top Tricks
- Chop your vegetables uniformly, so they cook evenly… nobody likes mushy veggies clashing with crunchy ones, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Tofu or paneer are great substitutes… or leave it out for a veggie delight!
Is this curry spicy?
This curry is on the milder side… but you can easily adjust the heat by adding some chili or hot sauce if you prefer a kick!
Can I make this curry vegetarian?
For sure! Just skip the chicken and use vegetable stock… you won’t even miss the meat!
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. They do taste better the next day, though!
Can I freeze this curry?
You can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before enjoying it again!
What can I serve with this curry?
It pairs beautifully with rice or naan, or even a simple salad on the side for some freshness!
Conclusion
So, that’s it… this Mild Chicken, Chickpea, and Squash Curry is not only a total comfort food but also so tasty that each bowl feels like a warm embrace. You can whip it up any night of the week or serve it for a gathering with friends, and all will adore it. It may just become a staple in your household, too!
More Recipe Suggestions and Combination
Vegetable Coconut Curry
A delightful mix of seasonal veggies simmered in creamy coconut goodness… paired with rice or flatbreads, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken marinated and cooked in a spiced tomato sauce—it’s a classic that pairs beautifully with naan or basmati rice!
Spicy Chickpea Stew
This hearty stew is perfect for a main dish, served with crusty bread or over quinoa for a filling meal!
Lentil Dahl
A comforting lentil dish seasoned with lovely spices… such a satisfying side to any curry!
