Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon
Hearty vegetable stew featuring tender butternut squash and chickpeas, brightened by fresh lemon and herbs. This african-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs butternut squash, (15 oz) chickpeas, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs butternut squash
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cup carrots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 cup diced carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1.5 lbs peeled and cubed butternut squash, 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until squash is tender.
- Step 3: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 lemon's zest and juice, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep butternut squash from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Squash and Chickpea Stew with Lemon?
African soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids actually asked for seconds! The lemon makes it feel fresh even in winter.
- ★★★★★
The perfect weeknight meal—ready in 30 minutes and packed with protein. Served with crusty bread, divine.
- ★★★★★
Made this for dinner guests and they kept asking for the recipe. So comforting and authentic!