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 mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Goan Butternut Squash Cafreal, Spiced Vegan Curry
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 87kcal
- 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
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.
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.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish.
Scatter over the fried onions.
Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.
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
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