Spiced Kabocha Squash and Chickpea Stew

I donā€™t think there is a single better thing in this world than a one-pot dinner that is easy to throw together, fills your house with the smell of warm, cozy spices, is dirt cheap in cost but rich in flavour, and offers a ton of satisfaction and comfort. This Spiced Kabocha Squash and Chickpea Stew ticks all of those boxes, and Iā€™m pumped to be sharing it with you.

Eaten on its own, with a hunk of bread, or with a spoonful of steamed rice or couscous – this spiced chickpea stew is just the thing for an easy dinner in the fall and winter months. Plus, it makes for some heavenly leftovers for tomorrowā€™s lunch!

This stew has taken inspiration from the scents and flavours of North Africa and the Middle East, but It is certainly not traditional. I was originally inspired to make this stew after making the incredibly delicious Israeli Couscous and Pumpkin in Tomato Star Anise Sauce from Ottolenghi’s Flavour

(Check out this video where I test drive that cookbook.)

What do you need to make this?

Hereā€™s what you need to make this lovely spiced stew.

  • Kabocha Squash – or any winter squash of your choice (butternut works really well)
  • Chickpeas – pre-cooked or canned
  • Onions – the base for all great one-pot-wonders
  • Olive oil – to cook the onions
  • Garlic – for that background oomph
  • Tomato Paste – for that deep, rich, tomato flavour
  • Canned tomatoes – I prefer canned cherry tomatoes if you can get them, but diced work well too
  • Raisins – they burst like little sweet jewels in this stew
  • Zaatar – The all-around superstar spice blend that makes everything taste great
  • Cinnamon – giving this stew an unbeatable warmth (this is a key ingredient)
  • Water – to bring everything together
  • Salt – always
kabocha squash.

How to make this Spiced Kabocha Squash and Chickpea Stew

Making this stew could not be easier if it tried.

Start by throwing your onions, salt, olive oil, and garlic into a Dutch oven – and put it on the stove over medium heat.

Stir and cook the onion mixture for a few minutes until the onions soften slightly, then add in the spices, the tomato paste, the seeded and chopped (not peeled) squash, along with the tomatoes, chickpeas, raisins, and water.

Crank the heat to high until the stew comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, pop a lid on the pot, and cook for 20 minutes. By this point, the squash should be tender when pierced with a knife.

Remove from the heat, and serve with your choice of toppings and sides. I usually add a blob of homemade yogurt and a drizzle of chilli oil and look around for a hunk of bread to dunk in it.

a pot of chickpea and kabocha squash stew, simmering on the stove.

Success Tips

  • Make sure you cut your squash into relatively equal sizes so they cook evenly in the stew.
  • Cutting into any winter squash can be a tricky process. So be careful, use a big, heavy, sharp knife and a big steady cutting board. Some people microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes before cutting into it, which helps to soften it slightly.
  • Use good quality tomatoes. In most cases, that means not the no-name brand. Spend an extra dollar or two on your tomatoes and your stew will be significantly better for it. I love canned cherry tomatoes, but chopped up San Marzanos are great too.
  • If using canned chickpeas, give them a good drain and rinse before adding them to the stew. That starchy liquid (aquafaba) can be used to make easy homemade vegan mayo! But it is not welcome in this stew.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other squash if I canā€™t find kabocha?

Yes indeed. Butternut is probably the best substitute, but any sweet pumpkin or even sweet potato would work too.

Really? We’re not peeling the squash?

Nope! The skin of most winter squash, including kabocha, is nice and sweet. And it cooks to be almost just as tender as the flesh. That being said, it’s your dinner. So peel if you want!

Are raisins really necessary?

If you donā€™t like raisins, no problem. But I do think a sweet burst is a really good addition. You could swap out the raisins for dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped up dried apricots, or even dates if you prefer.

What if I canā€™t find zaatar?

This middle eastern spice blend is becoming more and more prevalent on grocery store shelves these days. (Online too.) But if itā€™s not available for you, I would recommend checking out this article from The Stone Soup which provides a few DIY options.

Freezing, reheating, and storage options

This stew is a dream for leftovers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, and it is also delicious eaten cold or at room temperature.

This stew also freezes well in an airtight container for up to a month. When freezing anything, itā€™s always best to defrost slowly in the fridge if possible. Donā€™t freeze and defrost this stew more than once.

What goes well with this stew?

If you’re like me, all you need with a stew like this is something starchy to soak up the juices. I usually go with a hunk of bread, flatbread, or some simple steamed rice.

I tend to enjoy toppings in general. And for this one, plain yogurt and a little chilli oil get my vote. Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro too!

Still hungry?

I hear ya. If you’re into squash, try these recipes next!

A woman holding a bowl of chickpea kabocha squash stew topped with fresh parsley, over a white table.

Spiced Kabocha Squash and Chickpea Stew

This Spiced Chickpea Stew with Kabocha Squash is so warming and fills the house with the comforting smell of cinnamon. And, you only need about 30 minutes and one pot to make it!
4.70 from 13 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinners
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 8
Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large onion
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons za’atar
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 700 grams kabocha squash 1/2 a large one
  • 400 grams canned tomatoes cherry or diced
  • 400 grams chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 100 grams raisins golden for me
  • 300 millilitres water

Instructions
 

  • Slice the onions and add to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat along with the salt, olive oil, and garlic.
  • Sweat while stirring with a wooden spoon for 4-5 minutes, until the onions soften slightly.
  • Add the za’atar, the tomato paste, and the cinnamon, and stir to coat.
  • Add the kabocha squash, toss them with the flavourful onion mixture, before adding the chickpeas, canned tomatoes, raisins, and water.
  • Turn up the heat to max. Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover with a lid, and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  • Serve with rice, pasta, bread, or nothing at all.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 7gFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1465mgFiber: 7gSugar: 15g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
4.70 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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