Butternut Squash Curry

Supper Club Food Demo’s help highlight that walking through a pantry is not just about picking up groceries, it’s about imagining what those ingredients can become.

That spirit of possibility was on full display during this month’s Featured Recipe demo, where residents and staff gathered to explore a warm, comforting Butternut Squash Curry. The recipe was prepared with Emmanuelle and Sue, and the results were clear, this one is home chef approved.

The preparation itself reflected what makes Supper Club demos so meaningful. With pre-chopped onions and butternut squash ready to go, the focus shifted from prep work to experience. Participants could watch the recipe come together, smell the curry simmering, and see how simple ingredients transform into something deeply nourishing.

That accessibility matters. When ingredients are approachable and preparation feels manageable, cooking becomes less intimidating and more inviting. The goal is never just to demonstrate a recipe, it is to make meals feel possible.

During the demo, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of coconut milk and curry paste as tender squash, chickpeas, and kale simmered together. The dish is hearty, plant-based, and packed with nutrients, but just as important, it is flexible. Ingredients can be swapped, adjusted, or scaled depending on what is available, an essential quality for pantry cooking.

Moments like these help shift perspective. A butternut squash is no longer just an item in a grocery bag, it becomes the foundation of a shared meal.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and diced

• 1⁄2 yellow onion, sliced

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 2 cans of coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons curry paste

• 1 cup of kale, destemmed and coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a pan on medium heat.

2. Add a splash of oil to pan then add the onion, cook until softened.

3. Add curry paste and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute

4. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer

5. Add chickpeas and butternut squash and bring to a simmer. Cook until squash is tender. About 15-25 minutes

6. Add kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes

Nourishing from the Inside Out.

Beyond its comforting flavor, this curry is packed with nutrients that support overall health.

Kale, one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, is easy to incorporate into everyday meals and offers powerful health benefits. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and may help with mood regulation. Kale is also rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C as well, supporting immune health, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, and aiding in iron absorption and overall wellness.

Butternut squash is equally impressive nutritionally. It is rich in Vitamin A, which plays a key role in supporting eye health and strengthening the immune system. Just one cup provides more than a full day’s recommended amount, making it a powerful ingredient for building nourishing meals.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only comforting, but deeply supportive of health and well-being.

Cooking as Connection

At its heart, a Supper Club demo is not just about food preparation, it is about presence, participation, and shared experience.

People gather, watch, ask questions, taste, and connect. They see ingredients transform step by step. They gain new ideas without pressure. They experience food as something collaborative and communal.

A pot of curry may seem simple. But in the context of a pantry, it becomes something more, a practical tool, a shared experience, and a reminder that nourishing meals are possible with what is already within reach.