Burmese Pumpkin Curry with Mint & Tamarind

This vegan Pumpkin Curry is inspired by a Burmese recipe, it features the flavours of mint, tamarind and is both quick and easy to cook!

Quick and Easy Vegan Squash Curry

This recipe is responsible for a newfound love of all things squash and pumpkin.

Inspired by a recipe from a book called Burma by Naomi Duguid, it has become a regular feature on our weekly dinner menu.

This pumpkin curry is very different from my usual curries. Most of them are Indian and rely on dried spices and seeds, things like my beef dopiaza or chicken jalfrezi.

Or are from Southeast Asia and rely on complex pastes like my Thai Prawn curry or Beef Massaman curry.

This easy squash curry recipe relies on a far simpler set of ingredients.

It is hot and sour with a hint of sweetness, it is also vegan and takes a shade over 30 minutes to cook!

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of pumpkin or squash should I use?

I usually make this curry with a butternut squash. The primary reason for this is that they are on the smaller side, which is really important when cooking for two!

What can I make with leftover pumpkin?

If I can only get a larger pumpkin, I will usually call it squash week. I will maybe have this, my butternut squash tagine and then possibly my roasted butternut squash pasta or butternut squash chilli.

I may even roast off the leftovers and turn them into puree and use it in my butternut squash risotto recipe!

What is mint sauce?

My British readers will be more than aware of mint sauce, but if you are from the US, then you may need a hand. Mint sauce is a mix of mint, vinegar and sugar.

To make your own, grab a big handful of mint, add 50ml of vinegar, and 50ml of boiling water. Mix, then add salt and sugar to make it to your taste.

It is far from being a typical Burmese ingredient! Originally, this recipe calls for a type of acid, some sugar and mint. So in reality, pretty analogous!

One final hint!

If you are not sticking to vegan, then switch out the soy sauce for fish sauce, it adds a wonderful complexity of flavour!

Serving Suggestions

I like curries served with rice; my usual go-to is simply steamed or boiled jasmine rice.

I have served this pumpkin curry with coconut rice, and it is delicious.

My love of flatbreads with curry means that this recipe has also been served with my very Indian chapatis.

It worked a treat with this dry style of curry.

If you wanted to pair it with a salad, then this Burmese ginger salad would be ideal!

Equipment Used

I only mention brands of equipment if I think that they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Hob/stovetop.
• 28cm or 11" frying pan or skillet.
• Chopping board.
• Kitchen knife.
• Vegetable peeler.
• Grater.
• Stirring and serving spoons.
• A combination of weighing scales, a measuring jug, measuring cups and spoons.