A flavorful and hearty dish combining spiced butternut squash stew with fluffy couscous, perfect for a comforting meal.
Toast the almonds in a small frying pan over low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cooking the onion until translucent brings out its natural sweetness.
Add the garlic, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stirring the spices in oil helps release their flavors.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, butternut squash, raisins, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add the chickpeas to the saucepan, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Covering the pot helps cook the squash evenly.
Uncover and simmer for another 10 minutes until the squash is tender. Stir in the parsley.
Adding parsley at the end keeps its flavor fresh and vibrant.
In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Fluffing the couscous with a fork prevents clumping and keeps it light.
Serve the stew over the couscous and top with the toasted almonds.
Serving the stew over couscous ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.