Creamy Coconut Pumpkin Vegan Curry

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced pumpkin (or 2 cups fresh pumpkin cubes)
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the onion mixture and toast the spices for about 1 minute, enhancing their flavor.
5. Pour in the diced pumpkin and chickpeas. Stir to combine evenly with the spice mixture.
6. Slowly add the coconut milk, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Uncover, add the fresh spinach and salt. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, alongside steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Chef tips

• If fresh pumpkin isn't available, canned pumpkin puree can be substituted; reduce cooking time to 10 minutes as puree softens quickly.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast whole spices (like cumin seeds) before adding onion, then grind them, or use garam masala instead of curry powder.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit it for a milder taste, especially for kids.
• This curry thickens as it cools; add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating if needed.