Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with our vibrant Chickpea Butternut Squash Tagine! This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the hearty goodness of chickpeas, all infused with aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds to a bustling Moroccan market. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also brimming with flavor and nutrition. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large pot or tagine, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin and ground cinnamon, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Next, add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Stir to combine the squash with the spiced onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and stir to incorporate all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the tagine simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the butternut squash is cooked through, add the drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir gently to combine and allow the mixture to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the tagine from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and measure out spices in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of harissa for an extra kick.
- Cooking Vessel: While a traditional tagine is ideal for this recipe, a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works just as well. The key is to ensure even heat distribution.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the tagine to simmer gently. This will help the flavors meld beautifully and ensure the butternut squash becomes tender without losing its shape.
- Serving Suggestions: This tagine pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread. Consider adding a side of yogurt or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the dish and enhances the overall presentation.
- Make It a Meal: For a heartier meal, serve this tagine alongside grilled chicken or lamb, or toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 133kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
