Coconut & squash dhansak

This quick and easy vegetarian curry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner – with butternut squash, coconut milk, lentils and spinach

Prep:5 mins
Cook:15 mins

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 320
fat 17g
saturates 9g
carbs 29g
sugars 17g
fibre 7g
protein 9g
salt 1g

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
500g butternut squash (about 1 small squash), peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks (or buy a pack of ready-prepared to save time), see tip, below left
100g frozen chopped onions
4 heaped tbsp mild curry paste (we used korma)
400g can chopped tomatoes
400g can light coconut milk
mini naan bread, to serve
400g can lentils, drained
200g bag baby spinach
150ml coconut yogurt (we used Rachel’s Organic), plus extra to serve

Tip

Cassie's time-saver

Cooking squash in the microwave is much quicker than on the hob. If you don’t have a microwave, roast the squash in the oven with your previous night’s meal. You’ll save time (and money on your energy bill), and cooked squash keeps in the fridge for up to four days.

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan. Put the squash in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover with cling film and microwave on High for 10 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, add the onions to the hot oil and cook for a few mins until soft. Add the curry paste, tomatoes and coconut milk, and simmer for 10 mins until thickened to a rich sauce.
Warm the naan breads in a low oven or in the toaster. Drain any liquid from the squash, then add to the sauce with the lentils, spinach and some seasoning. Simmer for a further 2-3 mins to wilt the spinach, then stir in the coconut yogurt. Serve with the warm naan and a dollop of extra yogurt.