Hearty Vegetable Couscous with Butternut Squash, Chickpeas & Spices is a Moroccan-inspired one-pot meal that brings together wholesome ingredients, warming spices, and vibrant global flavors.
This nourishing dish features tender butternut squash, protein-rich chickpeas, and naturally sweet prunes simmered in a fragrant tomato broth, then finished with fluffy couscous and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Perfect for vegetarian and flexitarian diets, it’s packed with plant-based protein, gut-friendly fiber, and anti-inflammatory ingredients like cinnamon and squash.
Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping flavorful lunches for the week, this couscous recipe is a feel-good comfort food that celebrates the harmony of tradition and wellness in North African cuisine.
⦁ 1 tbsp olive oil
⦁ 2 medium carrots, sliced
⦁ 1½ lbs butternut squash, cubed
⦁ 1 medium onion, chopped
⦁ 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained
⦁ 1 (14 oz) can stewed tomatoes
⦁ ½ cup chopped prunes
⦁ ½ tsp cinnamon
⦁ ½ tsp salt
⦁ ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
⦁ 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
⦁ 1 cup couscous
⦁ 1 cup vegetable broth
1. Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat 175–230°C. Add carrots, squash, and onion. Sauté for 12 minutes.
2. Simmer the Stew
Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, prunes, cinnamon, salt, pepper flakes, and 1½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until tender.
3. Prepare the Couscous
In a separate pot, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5–7 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
4. Serve
Spoon vegetable stew over the couscous. Garnish with fresh herbs.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Butternut Squash – Choose firm, bright orange squash for the sweetest flavor and best texture
✔ Chickpeas – Use canned garbanzo beans for convenience; rinse well to remove excess sodium
✔ Stewed Tomatoes – Adds richness and acidity to balance the sweetness of prunes and squash
✔ Prunes – Opt for soft, pitted prunes to add subtle sweetness and Moroccan authenticity
✔ Couscous – Regular or whole wheat couscous works well; pearl couscous adds extra chew
✔ Spices – Cinnamon adds warmth; crushed red pepper provides a gentle heat
✔ Fresh Herbs – Finish with cilantro or parsley for freshness and color
✔ Broth – Use low-sodium vegetable broth for more flavor than water
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Chop Evenly – Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
✔ Layer Flavor – Sauté squash, onion, and carrots to build depth before adding liquids
✔ Simmer Gently – Low and slow simmering helps meld the spices and soften the squash
✔ Hydrate Couscous Separately – Keeps it fluffy and prevents overcooking in the stew
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Use a Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven – Allows room for simmering without overflow
✔ Cover While Simmering – Retains moisture and helps soften all ingredients evenly
✔ Rest the Couscous – Let sit covered off-heat before fluffing to absorb all the broth
✔ Adjust Texture – Add a splash of broth if the stew thickens too much while simmering
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Sweet vs. Savory – The prunes and squash add sweetness; balance with salt, acidity from tomatoes, and spice
✔ Spice It Right – Adjust crushed red pepper to your heat preference
✔ Citrus Finish – Optional squeeze of lemon adds brightness and complexity
✔ Texture Contrast – Fluffy couscous contrasts beautifully with the soft stew
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Store couscous and stew separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Freeze stew only (not couscous) for up to 3 months
✔ Meal Prep Tip – Divide into single servings for easy lunches
✔ Reheat Gently – Warm stew on stovetop or microwave; rehydrate couscous with a splash of water
🍽 Serving
✔ Serve With – Crusty bread, lemon wedges, or a green salad for a full meal
✔ Garnish Ideas – Chopped cilantro, parsley, or even toasted almonds for crunch
✔ Presentation – Spoon stew over couscous in wide bowls for rustic appeal
✔ Perfect For – Plant-based dinners, meal prep, or a cozy meatless Monday