31 days of Christmas: Couscous-stuffed gem squash with chickpeas recipe
In our 31 days of Christmas series, we will be giving you delicious, wholesome holiday recipes to recreate throughout the festive season.
Couscous-stuffed gem squash with chickpeas. Picture: iStock
Kick off the first weekend of December with this delicious and quick couscous-stuffed gem squash with chickpeas recipe.
You can enjoy these yummy gem squash delights on their own, or as a side dish with your favourite protein and starch.
Couscous-stuffed gem squash with chickpeas recipe
Ingredients
For the gem squash
- 3 gem squash, large
- Pinch of salt
- Half a cup of whole wheat couscous
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries, optional
- Handful of pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
For the chickpeas
- 410g of canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Half teaspoon of turmeric
- Half teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
ALSO TRY: 31 days of Christmas: Tasty and easy mince pie recipe
Instructions
- Slice the gem squash in half. In a large saucepan with enough water to cover the gem squash, bring the water to a boil with a pinch of salt, place the gem squash in the water and boil for 10 minutes or until tender. Place the gem squash on a plate to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the couscous according to the instructions on the box, season with olive oil, salt and black pepper.
- Scoop out the gem squash seeds with a metal spoon and discard. Then scoop the gem squash from the shells into a large bowl, keeping the shells to one side.
- Using the back of a metal spoon, mix the gem squash together with the olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper. Stir in the couscous.
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Place the dried chickpeas in a baking dish and toss them in the olive oil, salt and black pepper, turmeric and cumin until well coated.
- Roast for 15 minutes, give them a stir, and roast for another 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Stuff the shells with the gem squash mixture, top with the roasted chickpeas, cranberries (optional), pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Serve and enjoy!
This recipe was found on berryweetlife.com
