If cooler nights are putting you in the mood for curry, love this recipe for butternut and mushroom curry from Madhur Jaffrey, printed in the New York Times. Perfect for the tiny butternut that was in our box. It’s sometimes nice to have a smaller vegetable to work with (like those small Japanese eggplants). This is comfort food, Indian-style, and mushrooms are usually available at our local farmers markets. Curry leaves are available at shops that sell Indian groceries. I purchased a small batch awhile back and keep it in the freezer. I have to say, though, that you could skip the curry leaves. I find their contribution to a dish is pretty subtle.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 10 ounces butternut, peeled and diced in 1/2-inch cubes Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 or 2 small whole green chiles, such as jalapeño or serrano 3 medium shallots or 1 small onion, finely diced 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds Handful of fresh or frozen curry leaves, optional 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon ground coriander Pinch of cayenne 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 pound mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/8-inch thick 3/4 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons lime juice Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Preparation:
In a wide skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add squash cubes in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting cubes brown slightly, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Use a slotted spoon to lift squash out, and set aside.
Cut a lengthwise slit in each chile to open it, but leave whole. (This allows the heat and flavor of the chile to release into the sauce without making it too spicy.)
Add shallots to skillet, salt lightly and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves and let sizzle for 30 seconds, then add garlic, coriander, cayenne, turmeric and chiles. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add mushrooms to pan, season with salt and toss to coat. Continue to cook, stirring, until mushrooms begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Return squash cubes to pan, stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium and simmer for another 5 minutes. If mixture looks dry, thin with a little water. Taste and season with salt.
Just before serving, stir in lime juice. Transfer to a warm serving dish and garnish with cilantro leaves.