This right here is pure comfort food. A bowl of gorgeousness that has the added benefit of supporting the health of multiple systems too. This is the kind of thing that I love throwing together on a Sunday and then just dipping into for a few days. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 800g prepared weight), peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 20g fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp mild curry powder
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 400ml tin coconut milk
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g tins cannellini beans, drained
• 150g baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh coriander, to serve
• Sea salt and black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan.

Place the squash on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly. Roast for 30 minutes until tender and caramelised.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook gently for 8-10 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic, ginger, chilli, curry powder, turmeric and cumin and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Add the cannellini beans and roasted squash and simmer for a further 10 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.

Stir through the spinach and cook until just wilted.

Finish with the lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve topped with fresh coriander.

Health Benefits:

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient supports immune function, skin health and vision. Its fibre content also supports digestive health.

Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans provide plant protein, soluble fibre and resistant starch. These compounds help support blood sugar regulation, satiety and a healthy gut microbiome.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk contributes richness and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolised differently from longer-chain fats and can provide a readily available source of energy.

Ginger

Ginger contains bioactive compounds that may help regulate inflammatory pathways and support digestive function.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, particularly curcumin, which has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and inflammation-modulating properties.

Spinach

Spinach contributes folate, magnesium, potassium and carotenoids that support cardiovascular, metabolic and eye health.

Garlic and Onion

Both garlic and onion contain sulphur-containing compounds that support cardiovascular health and act as prebiotic substrates for beneficial gut bacteria.

Lime

Lime provides vitamin C and organic acids that enhance flavour while supporting antioxidant defences and iron absorption from plant foods.

Coriander

Coriander contributes polyphenols and aromatic compounds that enhance flavour while adding additional antioxidant capacity to the dish.