Cozy Winter Squash and Zesty Yogurt Stew

A warming winter delight, this stew combines the rich, hearty flavors of squash with the tangy zest of yogurt. With a blend of aromatic spices, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly days. The incorporation of seasonal vegetables and a zesty yogurt topping makes it both nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 large yellow onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until it becomes translucent (around 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic. Season with cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook for about 3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
5. Stir in the chickpeas and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes until the chickpeas are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the lemon zest.
7. Serve the stew hot, topped with a generous dollop of the zesty yogurt mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

This Cozy Winter Squash and Zesty Yogurt Stew is a delightful meal that will not only warm you up but also provide a burst of nourishing ingredients and vibrant flavors. Enjoy this wholesome dish with some crusty bread for an even heartier experience!