2 shallots, chopped, OR 1/3 cup chopped purple onion
1 thumb-size piece of ginger OR Thai ginger/galangal, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 hot yellow chilies, minced, OR 1-2 red chilies, OR 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried crushed red chili (chili flakes) - adjust to your preferred spiciness
1 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/3 tsp. ground white pepper (available in the spice section)
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup strong-tasting vegetable stock
1 to 1/2 cups canned chickpeas (drained)
1 carrot, sliced
2-3 cups peeled squash or pumpkin, cubed
1 potato, cubed
Optional: 1 cup cubed yam or sweet potato
1 14 ounce can coconut milk (full fat)
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. tomato ketchup OR good-tasting tomato puree
1/2 tsp. whole cumin seed
1/4 cup fresh Thai basil (or sweet basil)
2 Tbsp. coconut oil OR vegetable oil