Spiced Pumpkin & Lentil Curry

Thu, 23 October 2025

Spiced Pumpkin & Lentil Curry

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25–30 mins

Ingredients

· 1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee

· 1 onion, finely chopped

· 2 garlic cloves, minced

· 1-inch piece ginger, grated

· 1–2 green chilies, chopped (optional)

· 1 tsp cumin seeds

· 1 tsp turmeric powder

· 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

· 1 ½ tsp ground coriander

· 1 tsp garam masala

· ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

· 200g red lentils (rinsed)

· 400g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled & diced

· 400ml tin chopped tomatoes

· 500ml vegetable stock

· Salt to taste

· Juice of ½ lemon

· Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped

To serve

· Steamed basmati rice or naan

· Spoon of natural yogurt (optional)

Method

1. Start the base Heat the oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Stir in onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook until golden.

2. Add spices Stir in turmeric, ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the curry Add the red lentils, pumpkin, tomatoes, and stock. Stir well and bring to the boil.

4. Simmer Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes until lentils and pumpkin are soft and creamy. Add more water if needed.

5. Finish & serve Season with salt, squeeze in lemon juice, and stir through fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice or naan, and a dollop of yogurt if you like.