Butternut Squash Stew

Here’s a delicious and hearty Butternut Squash Stew recipe that you can enjoy with a bowl of rice, a piece of grilled chicken or fish. Whether roasted, pureed, or in soups, it's both delicious and nourishing!

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Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) (optional)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 large potato (peeled and cubed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Add the carrots, celery, and potato. Continue for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelised.
• Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, thyme, and bay leaf for 1–2 minutes.
• Add the cubed butternut squash and diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring everything together.
• Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), ensuring the vegetables are mostly covered. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the butternut squash and potatoes are tender.
• If you're adding spinach, stir it in about 5–10 minutes before the stew finishes cooking, allowing it to wilt and soften.
• Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf. 6. Serve:
• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.

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Nutrition Facts
Butternut squash offers a range of health benefits. It's packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, supporting good vision and a strong immune system. This vibrant squash is also rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. With its high fibre content, butternut squash aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full. Plus, it's low in fat, making it a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

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Did you know that butternut squash is a type of gourd, which makes it a cousin to pumpkins and cucumbers. It’s classified as a "winter squash" because it's harvested in the fall and can be stored for months, making it a great addition to autumn and winter dishes!