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Goan Butternut Squash Cafreal (Spiced Vegan Curry)

A vibrant, tangy curry inspired by the classic Goan cafreal sauce, traditionally used for chicken; here paired with sweet roasted butternut squash.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Goan Butternut Squash Cafreal, Spiced Vegan Curry
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 87kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash about 1.5 kg
  • 1 large brown onion finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cm fresh ginger peeled
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 green chili or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 × 400 ml can coconut milk
  • Small bunch fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

Method

    Roast the Squash:

    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Line 2 large baking trays with foil.
    • Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and peel.
    • Cut the flesh into 1 cm-thick half-moons.
    • Place on the trays, drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, and toss to coat.
    • Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and starting to caramelize.

    Fry the Onion Garnish:

    • While the squash roasts, heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Add the sliced onion.
    • Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and crisp.
    • Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Make the Cafreal Sauce:

    • In a blender, combine:
    • Fresh coriander
    • Ginger
    • Garlic
    • Ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon
    • Green chili
    • Lemon juice
    • Salt and black pepper
    • Half of the coconut milk
    • Blend to a smooth paste.

    Cook the Sauce:

    • Pour the sauce into a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
    • Add the remaining coconut milk.
    • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

    Combine:

    • Add the roasted squash pieces to the sauce.
    • Stir gently to coat.
    • Simmer another 5 minutes to warm through.

    Serve:

    • Transfer to a serving dish.
    • Scatter over the fried onions.
    • Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

    Notes

    Ingredient swaps:
    • Replace butternut squash with pumpkin or sweet potato
    • Use cashew paste instead of coconut milk for creaminess
    • Adjust green chilies to balance heat with squash’s sweetness
    Technique tips:
    • Roast spices before grinding for deeper flavor
    • Cut squash evenly so it cooks uniformly
    • Do not overcook, squash should stay firm yet soft
    Make-ahead and storage:
    • Cafreal paste can be prepared and refrigerated for 3 days
    • Curry keeps for 2 days in the fridge, reheat gently
    • Avoid freezing as squash may soften too much
    Serving ideas:
    • Pair with steamed rice or Goan pav
    • Add a side of vegetable salad for freshness
    • Serve with a light dal for a fuller meal
    Twist ideas:
    • Spicier: Add extra chilies or a spoon of Goan red chili paste
    • Tangier: Increase lemon juice for a sharper bite
    • Serve over couscous or quinoa for a global touch

    Nutrition

    Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg