Insta Pot Thai Pumpkin Curry {with Coconut Milk}
This Pumpkin Curry recipe is packed with protein and veggies mixed in a creamy flavorful Thai coconut curry sauce. Perfect for chilly fall weather. A healthy, easy, one-pot meal that is gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30 friendly and can be made vegan as well!
Today I am bringing you another one of my favorite recipes with a fall twist – Thai Pumpkin Curry! This hearty dish is one the entire family can enjoy.
Tom always asks me when I create new recipes “How did you come up with this?”
You see, since I got pregnant, coconut curry has become a staple in our house. Additionally, put my obsession with pumpkin into the equation.
And there you go – The best savory pumpkin recipe!
The pumpkin puree addition makes this one-pot meal thick, creamy, and rich, stirred with warm curry spices that satisfy all of your tastebuds.
It also stores well in the freezer so it’s a perfect recipe for meal prep too!
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Why I Love This Thai Pumpkin Curry
Easy to Make
This Thai recipe is so easy to make – just 10 minutes of prep, throw everything in one pot then set it on high pressure, leave it, then dinner will be waiting for you.
Balanced Healthy Meal
It’s healthy and filling, it’s a perfect hearty meal to bring you comfort on a chilly day.
Suitable for Multiple Needs
You can use chickpea as the main protein for a Vegan curry recipe.
Or you can use chicken thighs or chicken breast for a delicious chicken curry. Serve it with Cauliflower rice to make it Whole30-friendly as well.
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Main Ingredients You Need for this curry recipe
- curry paste, 2 -3 Tbsp
- coconut milk, 1 can
- chicken thighs and/or chickpeas
- pumpkin puree, 1 cup (You can make homemade Pumpkin Puree using this recipe.)
- bell peppers
- onion
- salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
Arrowroot flour- makes the chicken extra moist.
A dash of cayenne pepper- spice it up!
Extra 1 Tbsp of curry powder- depending on what type of curry paste you use and how spicy you like it.
Butternut squash- cut into small pieces to speed up cooking time.
Cauliflower- soaks up the curry flavors and adds texture.
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How to Make Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry
I’ve included a few different methods that you could make this recipe based on different kitchen tools that you may have available.
1. In the Instant Pot
- Marinate the chicken with salt (to taste) and arrowroot flour.
- Sauté chopped bell pepper and diced onion.
- Pan sear chicken in 1-2 Tbsp oil.
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir together.
- Cook on high pressure for 16-17 minutes.
2. On the Stove Top
- Sauté onions and bell pepper.
- Add chicken and sauté until chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir and bring everything to a simmer.
- Allow curry to simmer for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
3. In the Crockpot
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or until chicken is cooked through and chickpeas are tender.
Substitutions for This Instant Pot Pumpkin Curry
This recipe can be easily modified to meet your needs!
To make Vegan or Vegetarian Chickpea Curry:
Omit the chicken and use 1 can of chickpeas instead.
Chickpeas are a great protein option, which can make this dish vegan-friendly.
To make Paleo Chicken Curry:
Simply omit chickpeas, use chicken thighs only to make this recipe paleo friendly.
How to Serve Chicken Curry
Curry is commonly paired with white rice. However, cauliflower rice works just as well.
Additionally, a nice crusty piece of bread also pairs really nicely with the curry so you can soak up all the curry goodness to the very last drop.
This is also a great opportunity to sneak in extra veggies since the curry makes them so tasty!
Tips for the Best Chicken Curry Recipe
1. Full Fat Coconut Milk
Use full-fat canned coconut milk- adds to the richness of the curry.
2. Starch in Chicken marinade
Use arrowroot flour to marinate the chicken- makes it extra moist.
3. Cut veggies in various sizes that require a different cooking time
4. Adjust the amount of liquid to your preference
If curry is too thick, use broth (not water) to thin it out and add flavor.
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How to Store Instant pot Curry
This coconut curry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 -7 days.
Generally, stews and soup-style recipes freeze really well, especially when things like heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk are added.
To reheat:
For best results, reheat on the stovetop and add broth to thin out if necessary.
If frozen, remove from freezer at least 24 hours before planning to use then reheat on stovetop.
What’s your favorite way to eat curry? Leave a comment below!
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
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Get the recipe:Instant Pot Thai Pumpkin Curry {with Coconut Milk}
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chicken thighs chopped
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour, if using chicken
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- salt to taste
- 1/4 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash cubed, or sweet potatoes
If Choosing Vegan Option
- 1 can chickpeas
Equipment
Instructions
- Saute chopped bell pepper and onion in 1 tbsp oil using the "saute" function of the instant pot or in a pan.
- For Chicken option: Marinate the chicken with arrowroot flour and a generous amount of salt.
- Pan sear the chicken with 1 -2 tbsp oil until all sides slightly cooked or brown.
- For vegan option: drain and rinse the chickpeas
- Add all the ingredients in the instant pot, stir until well combined.
- Make sure the instant pot cap is sealed properly, cook on high pressure for 15 – 16 minutes. Let the instant pot vent completely before opening. Stir well.
- Serve with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
Notes
- The nutrition Facts below are calculated using chicken.
- You can use both chicken and chickpea (my personal favorite), use chickpea alone to make this a vegan recipe, or use chicken alone
- Yes! You can also make this pumpkin curry recipe in a slow cooker or stovetop. Check out additional methods in this post under “How to Make..”
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
