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Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Butternut Squash
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The Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Butternut Squash is a comforting, flavorful, and healthy dish combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with protein-rich chickpeas and a vibrant blend of Moroccan spices. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it delivers rich, layered flavors and is perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, offering a nourishing, hearty meal that can be served on its own or paired with grains or bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Legumes

  • 2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed if canned)
  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Liquids and Oils

  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, enhancing the depth of flavor that will infuse the stew.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and turmeric, cooking for about one minute to toast the spices, then add the diced tomatoes and stir to create a fragrant, spiced base.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker, add the cubed butternut squash, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the butternut squash is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. If using canned chickpeas, consider adding them halfway through cooking to prevent mushiness.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish with fresh herbal notes and add a pop of color.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t skip sautéing onions and spices to layer and deepen flavors.
  • Add canned chickpeas halfway through cooking to avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust broth quantity during cooking if the stew becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan stew, chickpea stew, butternut squash recipe, slow cooker recipes, vegan stew, healthy dinners, plant-based protein, gluten free meals

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-moroccan-chickpea-stew-with-butternut-squash/