Cozy One-Pot 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew: A Wholesome Vegan Comfort Meal
Discover the ultimate plant-based comfort with this incredibly flavorful 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew! Crafted in a single pot, it’s packed with an abundance of warming vegetables and hearty plant-based protein. Prepare a generous batch on Sunday evening and savor the delicious, nourishing leftovers throughout your busy week.
There are some nights when all you crave is warmth, comfort, and the simple joy of a home-cooked meal. Recently, such a craving struck after a delightful, albeit slightly late, evening of babysitting my spirited niece and nephews with Dan. Our night involved the classic trio: pizza, the mesmerized quiet of Nick Jr. on the couch as little eyelids grew heavier, and the sweet ritual of a Paw Patrol book before tucking them into bed. It was a truly precious experience, and I must admit, their impeccable behavior made the art of parenting look deceptively effortless (though I’m well aware that’s rarely the reality!).
The biggest challenge for us wasn’t wrangling toddlers, but rather staying awake a little past our usual bedtime. I caught Dan dozing off on duty several times, while I, ever the food enthusiast, found my mind wandering to dreams of creating the next perfect cozy recipe. And what else but a big, comforting stew could possibly come to mind in the quiet hours approaching midnight? That’s how the inspiration for this particular dish, a truly soul-satisfying creation, began to simmer in my thoughts.
This 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew is everything you want in a comforting meal: perfectly spiced with an intricate blend, subtly sweet from the squash, rich and savory with its tomato base, and completely oil-free. It’s brimming with plant-based protein and an abundance of wholesome veggies, making it a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Despite the long list of delightful descriptors, its essence is wonderfully simple: just five key spices, versatile chickpeas, and your favorite winter squash come together to create something truly magical.
Unlocking the Flavors: What You Need to Make This Hearty 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew
Friends, let me tell you, this 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew is nothing short of delicious. From the moment it begins to simmer on the stovetop, it infuses your home with an aroma that promises warmth and culinary delight, making it a strong contender for the “best-smelling soup award” in my kitchen. The scent alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, eager for a taste of what’s cooking. There’s an innate, soothing quality to this stew, a comforting familiarity that makes it feel like reuniting with an old, cherished friend. Perhaps it’s just my deep affection for chickpeas, but every spoonful feels like a warm embrace.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of wholesome dish you’ll want to make in a large batch, enjoying it night after night for dinner, only to find yourself genuinely sad when the last delicious spoonful is gone. So, let’s embrace the abundance and make a generous amount to carry you through the week with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity and the rich, complex flavors that emerge from minimal ingredients.
Crafting the Perfect Base: Sweet Tomato, Savory Broth, and Wholesome Veggies
At the heart of this stew is a robust and flavorful base of hearty, sweet crushed tomatoes combined with a well-seasoned vegetable broth. This rich liquid provides the perfect foundation for a generous medley of squash, other vibrant vegetables, and the ever-reliable chickpea protein. The star of the show, of course, is the unique 5-spice blend, a harmonious combination of earthy cumin, bright coriander, smoky paprika, subtly sweet cinnamon, and a hint of fiery cayenne. This blend creates a wonderfully warm and inviting flavor profile, with just the right kick of spice to awaken your palate without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the squash.
I personally prefer my stews thick and absolutely teeming with ingredients, offering a satisfying chew in every spoonful. However, if your preference leans towards a more brothy consistency, feel free to simply add extra vegetable broth at any point before serving. This flexibility ensures the stew perfectly matches your culinary desires. For a robust vegetable ensemble, I typically opt for classic staples like bell pepper, onions, and carrots, which provide both flavor and textural contrast.
When it comes to the squash, convenience is key for me. I adore incorporating Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Shellz. These pre-cut, spiralized butternut squash pieces save me the significant effort of chopping tough squash, which can often feel like an intense cardio workout in itself! While these Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Shellz & Cheez meal kits typically include a vegan cheese sauce, I decided to repurpose the “shells” for this stew, allowing their natural sweetness and unique spiraled texture to shine through in each comforting bite. If you can’t easily find Butternut Shellz at your local grocery store, don’t fret! Cubed butternut squash, sweet potato, or any other favorite winter squash, cut into bite-sized pieces, will make an excellent and equally delicious substitute. The goal is to get that lovely sweet and tender squash element into your stew, no matter its form.
Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep Magic: Enjoying Your 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew
This versatile 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew is a truly delightful dish to enjoy whenever you find yourself yearning for a generously sized pot of wholesome, plant-based goodness. Its rich, aromatic flavors and hearty texture make it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions. It’s absolutely perfect for dedicated meal prep sessions, ensuring you have healthy and satisfying meals ready to go throughout your busy schedule. It also shines as a comforting weeknight dinner, offering a quick yet deeply flavorful option after a long day. And, of course, it’s a staple for any everyday fall or winter meal, providing warmth and nourishment when the temperatures drop.
To elevate this stew into an even more protein-rich and filling meal, consider serving it over your favorite whole grain. I personally love the fluffy texture and nutty flavor of quinoa, which perfectly complements the stew’s robust profile. Other excellent options include brown rice, couscous, or even a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping into the savory broth. For a bright, fresh finish that really makes the flavors pop, I highly recommend garnishing your bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or cilantro. These herbs add a vibrant contrast and an extra layer of aroma that truly enhances the dining experience.
One of the best qualities of this stew is how incredibly well the leftovers store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld even further overnight, making it taste even better the next day! For this reason, I strongly encourage you to prepare the full recipe, even if you’re cooking just for yourself. Chances are, you’ll find yourself happily finishing off every last spoonful by the end of the week, enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal without any extra fuss. This stew is a testament to how simple, plant-based ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and effortlessly convenient. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Explore More Vegan Soups & Stews
If this comforting 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew has sparked your interest in wholesome, plant-based bowls, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delicious vegan soups and stews waiting to be explored. From light and fresh to rich and hearty, these recipes offer incredible flavor and nourishment for any season. Dive into our collection and discover your next favorite:
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Oil-Free Detox Zoodle Soup
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Chunky Chickpea Noodle Soup With Brussel Sprouts
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“Clean Out The Fridge” Vegetable Chili
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Vegan Chocolate Chili
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Chickpea & Wild Rice Soup
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Black Bean Quinoa Chili
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The Quickest Vegan Curry
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Everyday Carrot Lentil Soup
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Roasted Pumpkin Vegetable Soup
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1-Pot Vegetable Minestrone
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Heart Beet Soup
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Spicy Tempeh Bell Pepper Chili
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you had the chance to whip up this delightful 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew recipe yet? We’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us create even more delicious and inspiring recipes for you.
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XO Lauren
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5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew
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Author: Flora & Vino
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan
Description
This comforting 5-Spice Squash & Chickpea Stew is a complete meal, lovingly crafted in just one pot. It’s brimming with tender, cozy vegetables and protein-packed chickpeas, making it a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying plant-based dish. Prepare a large batch on a quiet Sunday evening to ensure you have delicious, wholesome leftovers ready to enjoy throughout your busy week, simplifying meal times without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Ingredients
- 4 cups + 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or water if desired)
- 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (about 1/8 tsp)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 18-oz. jar crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes, for more texture)
- 2 – 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds or half-moons
- 1 package Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Shells & Cheez (discard the cheese packet, or sub ~2 cups cubed butternut squash or sweet potato)
- 1 medium bell pepper, any color, deseeded and diced
- 1 15-oz. can cooked chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
- Himalayan sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by adding 1/4 cup of vegetable broth (or water) to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
- Once the pan is warm and the liquid is gently simmering, add the finely diced onion and garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic). Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes fragrant, softened, and translucent. This step builds a foundational flavor.
- Next, add in your carefully measured spice mixture: ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir everything extremely well to ensure the onions are thoroughly coated with the spices. Continue to sauté for about 5 more minutes, or until the onions are very soft and the spices become intensely fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils. This toasting process significantly enhances their flavor.
- Now, incorporate the chopped carrots, a generous pinch of Himalayan sea salt, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the carrots are well mixed with the spiced onion base.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the remaining 4 cups of vegetable broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the entire soup mixture to a gentle, low boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, leaving the pot uncovered. Allow the stew to gently simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork. The flavors will begin to meld beautifully during this stage.
- At this point, add the chopped butternut squash (or Cece’s Butternut Shellz), diced bell pepper, and the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Continue to simmer the stew, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes. Cook until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the butternut squash (or sweet potatoes, if using) are very tender and easily mashable.
- The stew is perfectly cooked when the butternut squash and bell pepper have reached your desired tenderness. Serve the soup warm, garnished generously with freshly chopped basil or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to maintain its delicious warmth and flavor.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Oh She Glows Cookbook, with modifications for an oil-free and simplified approach, while enhancing the aromatic 5-spice blend. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat. For a richer flavor, consider using a good quality, full-bodied vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup, Stew, Entree, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Plant-Based
This post is proudly brought to you by Cece’s Veggie Co., a brand committed to making healthy eating accessible and delicious. As always, all words, recipes, and enthusiastic eats shared here are entirely my own. We extend our sincere gratitude for supporting the sponsors that enable us to continue bringing you fresh, plant-based content and keep our culinary adventures thriving!