Spiced Winter Squash and Chickpea Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

A hearty vegan stew combining sweet winter squash with protein-rich chickpeas and warm spices, perfect for chilly days. This Middle Eastern recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs butternut squash, canned chickpeas, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 medium (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces butternut squash
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
3. Step 3: Add 2 lbs peeled and cubed butternut squash and 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir to coat with spices and oil.
4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until squash is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.