Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew – A Somerset Inspired Recipe
Traveling often brings more than memories of beautiful landscapes and historic sites; it introduces us to new flavors and culinary inspirations. Our journey to the charming village of Dunster, nestled in the Somerset region of England, was no exception. Amidst the cobblestone streets and medieval charm, we encountered a local gem serving a hearty and soul-warming Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew. Brimming with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, this dish quickly became a favorite.
In this post, we are excited to share our take on this delightful recipe, inspired by the comforting and rustic cuisine we enjoyed in Dunster. Whether you’re looking to bring a bit of English countryside into your kitchen or simply craving a delicious, plant-based meal, our Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew promises to deliver. Join us as we recreate this flavorful dish, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
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A Recipe Inspired From The Yard Market Restaurant
We had a lovely getaway in Dunster England. This very small and quaint village had a main road with several restaurants that we tried during our stay. When we ate at the Yarn Market Restaurant, we ordered a Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew. This recipe is inspired by the dish we enjoyed for dinner on a summer evening in Dunster.
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew – A Wholesome Meal
Our Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew celebrates wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. This hearty stew combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the nutty, earthy flavors of chickpeas, all simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs.
Each spoonful offers a delightful experience of textures and tastes—tender chunks of squash, creamy chickpeas, and a rich, savory broth infused with hints of garlic, cumin, and coriander. The addition of tomatoes and a vegetable broth base adds depth and flavor to balance the stew’s vibrant and robust flavors.
This stew is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein. It’s a comforting dish that warms both the heart and the body, evoking memories of cozy dinners and home-cooked goodness. Whether served with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice, our Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it did in ours after our unforgettable trip to Dunster.
Making Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew
Less spicy than a curry, this dish is easy to make. It’s a satisfying dinner offering. Let’s explore the meal prep and our recipe for this absolutely delicious dish.
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew
This hearty and flavorful stew combines tender butternut squash and creamy chickpeas in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs. Simmered with tomatoes in a vegetable broth, it offers savory flavors with hints of garlic, cumin, and coriander. Perfect for cozy dinners, this nutritious stew is a comforting and delicious choice, inspired by our travels to Dunster, England. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (red or white), chopped
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 15 oz cans, chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 8 ounces vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 15 oz cans butter beans or garbanzo beans
- 1 cup spinach
- Yogurt to serve
- 1 tablespoon mint
- Prepared white rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the butternut squash on a roasting tray and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of oil. The squash will come out even tastier if you sprinkle a bit of the spices on it during the roasting cycle. An option is to prepare your spices in advance, use a bit during the roasting, and then add the remainder during the cooking process below. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes until soft and golden.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for about 10 minutes without browning. Add the garlic and cook for about another minute.
- Add the roasted butternut squash and the spices to coat the mixture, stirring for about one minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, molasses, vinegar and broth. Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add the beans and spinach.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkle with chopped mint.
Serving Recommendation
For the perfect serving experience, ladle the Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew into deep bowls to keep the warmth intact. Pair this hearty stew with fluffy white rice generously sprinkled with freshly chopped mint. The cool, refreshing notes of the mint complement the rich, savory flavors of the stew, creating a delightful contrast.
Additionally, serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, which enhances the meal’s comforting appeal and ensures you savor every last drop of the flavorful broth. This combination transforms the stew into a complete, satisfying, nutritious, and deeply comforting meal.
Conclusion – Butternut Chickpea Stew
We hope this Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew brings a taste of the English countryside into your home and warms your heart as it did ours during our travels to Dunster. When we enjoy this comforting dish at home, it reminds us of the rich history and charming Somerset landscapes that inspired it.
Whether sharing it with family or savoring a quiet meal alone, this stew is all about the simple joys of wholesome, homemade food.
Happy cooking!
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More recipes inspired by our travels to England
Read More About Our Travels That Inspired This Recipe
Visiting Dunster Beach
Our recommended itinerary for visiting Dunster England
Our podcast reviewing Dunster England
