Butternut Squash and Spinach Korma
Soft, sweet butternut squash and wilted spinach in a creamy, mild coconut sauce.
Made with Korma base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time40 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.47 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the cumin seeds for 20 seconds, then the squash. Stir for 3 minutes.
3 min 20 s - 2
Add your ready made korma base (see the base recipe), the water and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes, until the squash is tender when pierced.
15 min - 3
Uncover and simmer for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens. Press a few pieces of squash against the pan to thicken it naturally.
5 min - 4
Stir in the spinach in handfuls until wilted, about 2 minutes.
2 min - 5
Add the lemon juice, taste, and serve with rice or naan.
Tips
- Buy a pre peeled and diced squash to save time, or roast the skin on halves and scoop out the flesh.
- Do not overcook. Squash goes from firm to collapsed fast in a creamy sauce.
- Pumpkin or sweet potato works in the same way.
Storing and freezing
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat until steaming hot.
Questions
Can I roast the squash first?
Yes. Roast it at 200C for 25 minutes, then add to the warm sauce for the last 5 minutes. It will taste sweeter and hold its shape.
Is it vegan?
Yes. The korma base and all ingredients here are plant based.
Can I add chickpeas?
Yes. Add 240 g drained tinned chickpeas with the spinach for a more filling meal.
More made with korma base
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.