Clean eating butternut squash stew is comfort food at its best. This is a proper carb loaded, delicious recipe that will make you feel good at anytime of the day. A diet rich in carbs is, in my humble opinion, the healthiest and most effective way to stay slim for life. Of course I don't mean refined carbs that are full of additives, preservatives, sugar and junk food. I mean beautiful carbs that are full of fibre, antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients helping you to feel full longer and maintain a healthy weight. My clean eating butternut squash stew is no different.
Studies have shown that carb eaters feel happier, calmer and with loads of energy. I am definitively one of those carboholics and often get asked "what are you on Hedi" and I always answer " ON CARBS BABY" 🙂
Today I am using butternut squash. I really love it, it has a rich, sweet,creamy flavour when cooked and makes a great alternative to pumpkin. If you dont know what butternut squash is then look out for a large pear shaped squash with yellow skin and vibrant orange flesh. Do not eat the skin, it is inedible and has to be removed along with the seeds. Do not throw the seeds away though! Mix them with some spices and tamari soya sauce and roast them in the pan. Delicious!
Clean eating butternut squash stew recipe
Before you start cooking , cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and fibrous parts with a spoon. Next peel the skin off or cut the skin using a sharp knife. Next ingredient is chickpeas, but if you don't have a spare tin in the cupboard feel free to use beans instead. For spices and herbs I opted for turmeric, smoked paprika, a touch of chilli and oregano all of which make this stew rich, hearty and such a comfort food
Recipe
Clean eating butternut squash stew
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, cut in to small pieces
- 1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes or passata
- 3 handfulls kale
- 2 cups water
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, mashed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked or ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- few chilli flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and cook for a few minutes until it softens.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, turmeric, chilli flakes and fry for another couple of minutes
- Next add the butternut squash and fry for a couple more minutes
- Tip in the chickpeas, tomatoes,water, then season and bring to the boil. Then cover and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes until the squash is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
- Now scatter over the kale and cook for another 2 minutes more until wilted and slightly cooked
- Ladle into bowls and serve with some ryvita crispbread .
If you have any leftovers left, store them in the fridge or you can freeze them too. This stew tastes amazing with my homemade bread.
As always please, if you make this recipe share it with me either on my Facebook,Twitter or Instagram. I would love to see it! Hashtag #HediHearts
Much love,
Hedi
Abi
Gosh, this looks and sounds amazing! Definitely trying it soon!
Hedi Hearts
Abi, so worth making, it is beautiful! Hedi xxx
Natalie
Yummy! Not something for after 4pm though? x
Hedi Hearts
No, not if you are on the challenge, but it will make a lovely lunch! Hedi xxx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yum! Nice comforting and nourishing!
Hedi Hearts
Thank you Rebecca, very comforting! x
Jenn
Butternut squash is a favorite of mine! And I just happen to have some leftover and already cubed, but not cooked, in the fridge right now. Need to put this on the menu this week!
pragati
Looks yum! And totally spoonable. Butternut squash, greens, beans - this covers all my fave food groups.
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com
I love butternut squash! It's got to be my favourite veggie. This would be amazing with the loaf of bread that's in my oven right now! :O)
Hedi Hearts
Oh yes, this stew is made for dipping bread in! Hedi xx
Natalie Freed
Butternut squash is one of the things my kids like. Chicpeas too! This looks really good. And I would choose the smoked paprika...I LOVE that stuff!
Hedi Hearts
Me too, I love smoked paprika. It is one of the best spices! Hedi xx
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
yay to fellow carb lover.. i can tell when I'm carb deprived 😛
Hedi Hearts
Hahaha, me too, very cranky! Hedi xx
Uma Srinivas
Sounds interesting! like to cook squash, they are so tasty and creamy. loved your ingredient. I will try this soon.
Linda @ Veganosity
It drives me crazy when people go on those silly "no carb" diets. The carbs in fruits, vegetables, and grains are so important to maintain physical and mental energy. I would eat the entire pan of this delicious stew!
Hedi Hearts
Hahaha, I did Linda, but shhh, dont tell on me 🙂 Hedi xx
The Vegan 8
Oh this looks amazing Hedi and totally my favorite kind of food, I love stews! I love chickpea and kale together and make a stew with them but always do sweet potato, I will definitely have to try the squash next time! This looks to die for!
Hedi Hearts
Thanks so much Brandi, means a lot from a blogger pro like you xxxx
Vanessa
I'm a big fan of sweet potatoes together with chickpeas. This stew sounds right up my alley!
Hedi Hearts
Ohhhh I love sweet potatoes Vanessa xx
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen
Your photography gets better and better every time I visit your blog, Hedi! Beautiful. And the dish sounds so flavourful and comforting. Gotta love dem carbs!
Hedi Hearts
Hahaha, carbs all the way Aimee. Thank you for your kind comment, I still want to do some photography course, so if you find something let me know. Hedi xx
Lucie
Haha, love my carbs too! This looks like the perfect healthy comfort food Hedi, I'd love to snuggle up with a huge bowl
Hedi Hearts
Lucie, we are the carbs queens 🙂 xx
Hauke Fox
This is my kinda recipe. Quick, lots of flavour, filling and really healthy! Awesome stuff, Hedi 😀
Hedi Hearts
Thank you Howie! Hedi xx
Sharon
Made this tonight, it was delicious. Thank you for the recipe Hedi x
Hedi Hearts
Thanks so much Sharon, glad you liked it and thank you for lovely comment. Hedi xxx