If you're craving something cozy, colorful, and full of flavor, this Moroccan Chickpea & Butternut Squash Tagine is a dish that truly delivers. The balance of warm spices, tender vegetables, and hearty chickpeas makes it both satisfying and nourishing.

Inspired by North African flavors, this tagine combines everyday pantry staples with a few aromatic spices to create a meal that's simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Serve it over couscous, quinoa, or rice for a complete plant-based delight that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 600g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 500ml vegetable broth
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to coat thoroughly with the spices.
3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to heat through.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
6. Serve the tagine hot, garnished with a generous amount of fresh cilantro.

Tips & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of harissa for extra heat.
• Make it heartier: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end for added greens.
• No butternut squash? Substitute with sweet potato or pumpkin for similar sweetness and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 1050 kcal per batch

• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 165g
• Fiber: 55g
• Protein: 42g

Whether you're new to Moroccan flavors or already a fan of spiced stews, this tagine is sure to become a favorite. Its comforting aroma, rich flavor, and wholesome ingredients make it ideal for cozy nights at home. Give it a try, share it with friends, and bring a taste of North Africa to your table!