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I remeber the first time I tried butternut squash, I was a kid visiting my grandma's farm. She roasted it with just a little bit of butter and salt, and honestly? I wasn't thrilled. It was fine, but nothing to write home about. Years later, though, I discovered the magic of pairing butternut squash with bold spices, and let me tell you – it's a game changer. Now, I look forward to the winter squash season every year!
This stir-fry isn't just about great flavor, although it certainly has that in spades. It's also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course with rice or quinoa, or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Feel free to toss in other veggies you have on hand – bell peppers, spinach, or even some chickpeas would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are truly endless, and that's what makes cooking so exciting, right? Oh and before I forget – one of my best friends tried this recipe and suggested adding a dash of maple syrup. That's delicious too!
What makes this stir-fry stand apart is the cumin. It's a warm, earthy spice that pairs incredibly well with the sweetness of the butternut squash. But we don't stop there – we also add coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat. The result is a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Its a really beautiful combination.
This Cumin Spiced Butternut Squash Stir-Fry recipe transforms humble butternut squash into a flavorful and vibrant dish. Infused with warm cumin and other aromatic spices, it’s a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight, and easy to customise. Don't be afraid to add more spices, its really fun!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the Squash: Start by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. You'll want roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This can be a bit of a workout, so use a sharp knife and watch your fingers!
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This spice mix is the heart of the dish.
Heat the Oil: Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two. You want the oil hot enough so that the spices bloom and release their aromas, but not so hot that it burns.
Bloom the Spices: Add the spice mixture to the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You'll know they're ready when you can smell their fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make the dish bitter. I've done that before more times than I'd like to admit. Burnt cumin, yuck!
Add the Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the wok and stir to coat it evenly with the spices. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating of that flavorful mixture. It should look amazing and you are probably hungry by now.
Stir-Fry the Squash: Stir-fry the squash for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. If the squash starts to dry out, add a tablespoon or two of water to the wok. The slight char is what gives this dish that extra something.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant. Garlic and ginger burn easily, so watch them carefully. These aromatic will be so good!
Season to Taste: Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili flakes to suit your taste. It’s your dish, so make it perfect for you!
Serve: Serve the Cumin Spiced Butternut Squash Stir-Fry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. You can serve it as a main course with rice, quinoa, or couscous, or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey during the last minute of cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or chickpeas to the stir-fry.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.