Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Curry with Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Curry with Chicken, a delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, house-made coconut milk and pumpkin sauce, elevated by the aromatic spices of Thai red curry paste and fresh ginger. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but also yields a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with fluffy Coconut-Raisin Rice Pilaf. Your guests will rave about this delicious, comforting curry that strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness, leaving them longing for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
medium onion
1 (Chopped)
green hot banana peppers
2 (Chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (Minced)
pumpkin puree
1 cup (Homemade or canned)
Thai red curry paste
1.5-2 tablespoons (Based on heat preference)
coconut milk
2 cups (Homemade or canned)
brown sugar
3.5 teaspoons (Packed)
salt
1 teaspoon (None)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (Cut into large cubes)
sour cream or Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons (For stirring into the curry)
desiccated coconut
8 ounces (Dry)
water
3.5 cups (For making coconut milk)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Curry with Chicken?
It is a vibrant fusion dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich sauce made from coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and aromatic Thai spices.
What are the main ingredients for this curry?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, fresh ginger, garlic, and hot banana peppers.
How do I make the homemade coconut milk mentioned in the recipe?
You can make it by blending 8 ounces of desiccated coconut with 3.5 cups of water and then straining the mixture.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?
Yes, both homemade and canned pumpkin puree work perfectly for this recipe.
How spicy is this pumpkin curry?
The dish is moderately spicy due to the Thai red curry paste and hot banana peppers, but the heat can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into large cubes are recommended for quick and even cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the label on your Thai red curry paste to ensure no wheat fillers are added.
How can I make this curry vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use a plant-based yogurt or extra coconut milk instead of sour cream.
What should I serve with Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Curry?
It pairs beautifully with fluffy Coconut-Raisin Rice Pilaf or standard jasmine rice.
Can I use store-bought coconut milk?
Yes, canned full-fat coconut milk is a convenient and delicious substitute for homemade.
What role does fresh ginger play in this dish?
Fresh ginger provides a bright, aromatic heat that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and the richness of the coconut.
How do I adjust the heat level of the curry?
You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of Thai red curry paste used (between 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) and by removing the seeds from the banana peppers.
What are green hot banana peppers?
These are medium-heat peppers that add both spice and a slight tanginess to the curry sauce.
Can I substitute the banana peppers with something else?
Yes, you can use jalapeños for more heat or mild bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter, non-spicy version.
Why is sour cream or Greek yogurt added at the end?
Stirring in sour cream or yogurt at the end adds a creamy texture and helps balance the spicy notes of the curry.
Can I use fresh pumpkin chunks instead of puree?
The recipe calls for puree to create a luscious sauce; if using fresh pumpkin, it should be cooked and mashed before adding.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
It is considered a quick meal, taking relatively little time to simmer once the ingredients are prepped.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors often deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or prepared lunches.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this pumpkin curry?
Yes, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing; stir well when reheating to bring the emulsion back together.
What type of curry paste is used?
Thai red curry paste is used for its robust flavor profile and characteristic red color.
Can I use yellow or green curry paste instead?
You can, but it will significantly change the flavor profile of the dish from the intended recipe.
What is the best way to prep the chicken?
Cut the chicken into large, uniform cubes so they remain juicy while cooking through in the simmering sauce.
What is desiccated coconut used for in this recipe?
It is used specifically to create a fresh, house-made coconut milk base when blended with water.
Can I use light coconut milk?
You can use light coconut milk, but the resulting curry sauce will be thinner and less creamy than the original version.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It contains sour cream or Greek yogurt, but these can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this curry?
Absolutely; vegetables like spinach, red bell peppers, or snap peas would complement the pumpkin and chicken well.
What makes this a fusion recipe?
It blends traditional Thai ingredients like red curry and coconut with ingredients like pumpkin and sour cream, common in Western comfort cooking.
Does this recipe require a lot of equipment?
No, you primarily need a large pan or pot for the curry and a blender if you are making the coconut milk from scratch.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 1.5 lbs of chicken, it typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.