Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

I first made this curry on a rainy Sunday when the house smelled like pumpkin and warm spices, and it felt like a cozy hug in a pot. I add a splash of coconut milk right at the end to keep the sauce silky, but if you’re watching calories, swap it for half‑cream cheese and a dash of plain yogurt. A secret trick I’ve learned is to stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving—it brightens the dish and gives it a pop of color that makes it feel like a springtime meal. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice and

Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 376

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped optional

Method

 

1. Add the butternut squash, chickpeas, onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. If using spinach, stir it in now and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
4. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve hot over rice or with naan.

Notes

Fold in fresh spinach just before serving; it wilts quickly and brightens the dish. A splash of lime juice at the end cuts through the coconut sweetness for a bright finish.

Food Safety Note: Always use a food thermometer to confirm your dish has reached a safe internal temperature before serving, and follow your country’s official food safety guidelines for meat, poultry, and slow-cooking. Cook times in this recipe are estimates — appliance and ingredient variation affects actual cook time.