Seasonal Sensations · Moroccan-inspired
Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash & Chickpea Tagine
A fragrant embrace of earth's golden bounty
In this warm and inviting dish, the humble butternut squash meets the chickpea in a Moroccan-inspired tagine. Aromatic spices dance amid autumn's glow, creating a tapestry of flavours that promises comfort with every bite. A celebration of the season's harvest, wrapped in a fragrant embrace.
A recipe by Marco · Executive Chef · Cookbookverse Kitchen
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Ingredients
Tagine Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- Cooked couscous or quinoa, for serving
Method
- 1
Sauté Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 2
Build the Tagine
Add the cubed butternut squash and chickpeas to the pot, stirring to coat with the aromatic spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3
Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot partially and let the tagine simmer gently over low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- 4
Final Flourishes
Stir in the golden raisins and allow them to plump in the warm tagine for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and slivered almonds, alongside couscous or quinoa.
Origin story
Born from the rich culinary traditions of North Africa, this tagine takes inspiration from Moroccan techniques, yet embraces the bounty of autumn's harvest. The harmonious blend of spices with the sweet earthiness of squash and chickpeas elevates this dish to a seasonal delight.
