In this delicious curry, plums are roasted with pumpkin or butternut squash, then combined with korma curry paste, coconut cream and canned lentils. Great news – it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians too!
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
500g pumpkin or butternut squash, cut into chunks
1 large red onion, chopped
2tbsp olive oil
1tsp cumin seeds
6 plums, pitted and sliced
2 x 400g cans green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
4tsp vegetable stock powder or 1 vegetable stock cube
4tbsp Korma curry paste
200g coconut cream
2tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4tbsp natural yogurt (dairy-free for vegans)
Fresh coriander, to garnish
Naan bread, to serve
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C, Fan Oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6.
- Put the chunks of pumpkin or butternut squash and red onion into a roasting tin and add the olive oil, tossing to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until just tender.
- Add the cumin seeds and plums to the roasting tin and roast for 5 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, tip the lentils into a large saucepan and stir in the stock powder or crumble in the cube.
- Add the curry paste, coconut cream and chopped coriander. Heat, stirring occasionally until simmering.
- Tip the roasted vegetable mixture into the saucepan and stir gently to mix.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes. Serve, garnished with natural yogurt and coriander sprigs, accompanied by warm naan bread.
Cook’s tips
If you want to keep the curry vegan, be sure to use a dairy-free yogurt for the garnish. If you need an alternative to pumpkin or butternut squash, try sweet potatoes instead.
HORTGRO
HORTGRO, the industry association representing South African fruit growers, has released a series of recipes to help us make the most of the country’s fabulous natural larder.
Plums, peaches and nectarines
South African plums, peaches and nectarines are natural immunity-boosters as they’re packed with nutrients and vitamins.
What’s more, South African fruit is counter-seasonal – so it’s available when European produce isn’t.
Varieties of peach and nectarine are available in all major retailers from November until May, while plums become available from the end of December.
Location and climate
The sheltered valleys between mountains in the Western Cape are ideal for the cultivation of fruit such as plums, peaches and nectarines.
The amazing combination of Mediterranean climate, steep hillsides and over 100 years of experience has helped to produce the most delicious, high quality fruit.
Ethics
The South African fruit industry prides itself in supporting various ethical and transformation initiatives that focus on training, worker welfare, skills development and land ownership projects.
The vast majority of South African stone fruit producers choose to ship their produce to the UK, rather than flying it over.
