Thai Pumpkin Curry Recipe — Easy, Spicy & Perfect for Fall (Rustic Eats)

This Thai Pumpkin Curry is savory, spicy, and just a little sweet, thanks to kabocha squash and coconut milk. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a brisk autumn evening—whether you’re hosting a Halloween potluck or just cooking a cozy dinner at home.

Thai Pumpkin Curry

Prep time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 2 medium red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger (from about a 1 1/2-inch piece)
• 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
• 1 (13- to 14-ounce) can unsweetened regular coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 medium kabocha squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

To serve

• Steamed white rice or steamed brown rice

How to Make Thai Pumpkin Curry (Step-by-Step)

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and 1 teaspoon of the salt
   and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 6 minutes.
2. Add the red bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the Thai red curry paste, stir to coat the onion–pepper mixture, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Pour in the coconut milk, water, soy sauce, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine and bring to a
   gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the cubed kabocha squash. Return to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to simmer,
   stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender but still holds its shape, about 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
6. Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice. Enjoy hot as a cozy fall main dish or a shareable potluck
   curry.

Bring Thai Flavors into Your Kitchen—and Then Visit Thailand

Cooking dishes like this Thai Pumpkin Curry is one way to bring the world into your kitchen. But the best way to experience Thai food is to taste it in Thailand itself—at local markets, family-run restaurants, and community meals on program.

Explore Rustic Pathways’ teen travel programs in Thailand to learn more about the culture, connect with local communities, and try even more Thai dishes in person.

Or browse all of our high school summer travel programs to find the right adventure for you.