Have you ever seen a Carnival Squash?
Β PYT, pretty young thing…
I have to admit that I am shallow. Β I chose this squash knowing nothing about the Carnival variety other than it is one attractive squash. Β It’s pretty… and who DOESN’T like pretty things?Β Β This is one squash you can judge my the cover – it was reminiscent of an Acorn squash, but had the sweetness of a Butternut.
Don’t mind the classy paper towel…
Even better: it can be microwaved and ready to eat in less than 10 minutes. Side note: do I use bold too much? Β I feel like I overuse bold… but I am bold. Β Hear me roar.
Indian-inspired dishes are a staple in my kitchen, so I made this Carnival a curried affair. Β My curry is an extra-hot variety, but you can buy a more mild powder. Β I, of course, added extra heat with red pepper flaked across the top.
Β Breaking out of my brown food rut, I used red lentils in this curry. Β They were fantastic! Β I always heard the lighter colored (non-black or green) were mushier, but I left them al dente and added them to the mix in the last few minutes to ensure the bite remained.
The other flavors in this dish really made it pop – the sweetness from theΒ cardamomΒ and the richness of theΒ cinnamonΒ compliment the curry. Β Adding a littleΒ basilΒ at the end provides a pleasant surprise with every bite. Β I really love basil in spicy Asian dishes.Β
It is also delish topped with these Cardamom Roasted Seeds.
Curried Carnival Lentil Stew
- 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 tsp hot curry powder
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tspΒ turmeric
- 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 C low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 2.5 C (1 medium) Carnival squash
- 3/4 C water
- 2 C spinach
- 1/4 C basil
- S & P, to taste
Stab the squash 3-4 times and cook in microwave 8-10 mins, until soft to touch. Β Cut in half and remove guts/seeds. Β Separate from skin and dice into ~1/2 in cubes.
Over medium heat in large pot, saute onion in olive oil until turning translucent (3-4 mins). Β Add minced garlic andΒ sauteΒ for additional 2-3 mins, until fragrant.
Stir in curry, cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon and cook another 1-2 mins. Β Add broth, cider, and lentils and bring to a boil. Β
Reduce heat and cook for 7-8 mins. Stir in squash, adding water as needed. Β Allow to cook ~5 mins, then add spinach and basil. Β
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until spinach is wilted (~5 mins). Β Salt and pepper, to taste. Makes 2 servings.
*** Β
Now I have the entire MJ catalog stuck in my head… Thrillllller!
What is your favorite squash?
For those of you who are old enough to have caught the reference, what’s your favorite Michael Jackson song?
Pretty, pretty. Yummy, yummy! Bold is good, it keeps me reading. That and the food π
Thanks for the feedback!! π
Favorite squashes are butternut, acorn and delicata. So much delicious!
A friend informed me via Twitter that Carnival squash is a blend of acorn and delicata. Sounds like you would love it!
Wow, there is actually a ton of squash in that squash! So many of them are mostly seeds and pulp. I think kabocha is my favorite. A big scoop of pureed kabocha puree with cinnamon is awesome on a bowl of oatmeal.
Ohhhh… I’m going to have to try that!
This sounds absolutely amazing! I love currying all sorts of vegetables, but hadn’t though to use squash. Awesome idea!
Red lentils definitely cook faster and get mushy. I don’t think you use bold too much. Your stew looks great and beautiful and so does your squash. But come on, not all squashes can be beautiful all the time!
Oh I love pretty food. I think I would have had a hard time cutting into this one, but knowing that it could microwaved and ready in 10 minutes is a perk.
Butternut is my favorite winter squash, but I’ve bought a ton of them to decorate the house and then eat! This looks perfect! I wish I had this for me tonight since I have to work late and have no idea what I’m taking to eat.
I love how bold you are…don’t change!
Thanks Sarena! I’m sorry we won’t get to see you at the meet up next week. π
Thanks for the info. I always thought they were just super pretty acorn squashes.
I think you’re the new queen of squash, like it or not.
Haha! I’ll gladly accept that title!
Your recipe sounds delicious and is so beautiful. I can’t wait to try it with all the wonderful spices that you have used.
Ooooo, not only do I love the look of that squash (it’s so FUN!), but your description of the flavor sounds right up my alley! I’m going to be on the lookout for this guy!
Yum! I’ve been looking for a fun curry dish to try!!! This is the winner! Pinned haha
I need a Pintrest intervention. LOL!
Thanks for the pin!
Lentils are amazing…squash sounds like a great addition! Definitely bookmarking this one π
Your curried lentil stew looks gorgeous Laura with its contrasting colours and autumn warmth. Loving the Indian flavours…
Thank you! It was a nice change from brown. π
This cooking squash in the microwave notion excites me! I never feel like I have enough time to roast a squash, but never think to zap it.
Oh and I’ve been diggin’ Man in the Mirror a lot lately, but Off the Wall never fails to remind me to leave my 9-5 up on the shelf, and just enjoy myself.
Oddly, I microwave squash but refuse to do it to sweet potatoes. You’d think it would be the other way around…
Off the wall = good one!
Carnival variety…they grow on the cruise ships, right?
I’m liking that you turned it into a curry and bring on the spice!
Hahahaha! Riiiight… π
Man, America just isn’t fair! I can only get Japs, Kents, Queensland Blues, and Butternuts here!
Awwww!!! One of these days I’m going have to mail you an American package.
Laura, it is a beautiful squash, and I may have to make room to grow it next season!
Thank you for linking up to Squash Love!
Beautiful colors and flavors. Love how creative you got with squash, lentils and spice. Scrumptious!
YUM! Being vegan, I definitely appreciate and love this post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Hope it inspired a good meal. π
laura, this is just fabulous. i love curry, and i love winter squash. the carnival squash has a sweet hearty taste to it, which i love. π totally bookmarking this recipe. welcome to our #lovebloghop party. sending some #squashlove to you!
Thank you! I’m loving the Squash Hop. π
This looks delicious Laura! You know I love my winter squash!!
I am all about MJ I mean hello those dance moves! Busting out my moon walk! I love spaghetti squash for obvious reasons but now that I am not afraid of burning down the house baking squash I am open to trying others! Recipe sounds great can not wait to try! Lots of love C
Leave no squash unturned! LOL! Have you tried calabaza? That one is awesome too.
I’ve never heard of carnival squash…it scares me a little. The look of it mostly. I’m sure the insides are totally amazing though!
You know me… the stranger, the better. π
You always find the most interesting things! I would eat it if you cooked it for me! π
I am not a person that knows all the songs of people but I liked the Thriller video. π
I have a Thriller jacket. π