Dive into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine with this delightful Butternut Squash Chana Masala! This hearty dish combines the sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash with protein-packed chickpeas, creating a symphony of taste and texture that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare in just 40 minutes! Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by peeling and cubing the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces, dice the onions, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the tomatoes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala into the pan. Stir the spices with the onion mixture to toast and release their aromatic oils for about 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to break down and form a thick sauce.
- Add cubed butternut squash and drained chickpeas to the pan. Stir to coat with the spice mixture and ensure even cooking.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting spices if needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Best served hot with rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can peel and cube the butternut squash and chop the onions, garlic, and tomatoes in advance. This will streamline the cooking process and make it even quicker to get dinner on the table.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garam masala and spices. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or fresh green chilies.
- Perfect Texture: Keep an eye on the butternut squash while it simmers. You want it to be tender but not mushy, so check for doneness after about 15 minutes of simmering.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. It brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
- Serving Suggestions: This Butternut Squash Chana Masala pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
