Embark on a culinary journey with this hearty butternut squash stew. Packed with flavors from aromatic spices, succulent pork sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this stew is a perfect way to warm up your dinner table. The star ingredient, butternut squash, lends a subtly sweet note and creamy texture that ties everything together.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely to be in your pantry, you might need to pick up a few items. Butternut squash is the star of this dish, so be sure to choose one that's ripe and firm. Sage pork sausage adds a depth of flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the squash. Lastly, Chinese five-spice powder is an aromatic blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan (Chinese) peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It's commonly found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets or in Asian grocery stores.
Hearty Butternut Squash Stew Ingredients
butternut squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that adds a creamy texture to the stew.
sage pork sausage: Adds a savory, herbaceous punch to the dish.
potatoes: Gives the stew some hearty bulk and texture.
celery: Adds a fresh and crisp element.
carrots: Adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color.
chickpeas: A good source of protein, they also add a satisfying bite.
tomatoes: Adds tang and contributes to the stew’s liquid base.
onion: Gives a depth of flavor and aroma.
tomato sauce: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the overall dish.
green bell pepper: Adds a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
garlic: Enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
curry powder: An aromatic spice blend that brings warmth and complexity.
ground cumin: A smoky, earthy spice that adds depth of flavor.
chinese five-spice powder: A warming spice blend that adds a unique twist.
One reader, Arabele Ricci says:
This hearty butternut squash stew recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The butternut squash adds a delightful sweetness, and the sausage brings a savory richness. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Butternut Squash Stew
How to prepare the butternut squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into cubes.
How to cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sage pork sausage until it is browned and cooked through.
How to chop the vegetables: Dice the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
How to mince the garlic: Finely mince the cloves of garlic.
How to stir the ingredients in the slow cooker: Mix all the ingredients together in the slow cooker until well combined.
How to check for doneness: Test the tenderness of the butternut squash and ensure the sausage is fully cooked before serving.
How To Make Hearty Butternut Squash Stew
Here’s a hearty comforting dish made of butternut squash, pork sausages, carrots, and tomatoes that you can toss in a slow cooker.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾butternut squash,diced
- 1lbsage pork sausage,crumbled
- 3potatoes,cut into small cubes
- 3stalks celery,sliced
- 3carrots,sliced
- 15ozchickpeas,(1 can) rinsed and drained
- 15oztomatoes,(1 can) crushed
- 1large onion,diced
- 8oztomato sauce,(1 can)
- 1green bell pepper,thickly sliced
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1½tspcurry powder
- 1½tspground cumin
- 1½tspchinese five-spice powder
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Stir butternut squash, sausage, potatoes, and the rest of the ingredients together in a slow cooker.
-
Cover and cook on HIGH SETTING until butternut squash is tender and sausage is cooked through, about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
-
Stir ingredients halfway through the cooking process if possible.
Nutrition
- Calories: 493.63kcal
- Fat: 17.91g
- Saturated Fat: 4.76g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.24g
- Carbohydrates: 63.95g
- Fiber: 12.34g
- Sugar: 12.75g
- Protein: 23.50g
- Cholesterol: 39.69mg
- Sodium: 914.08mg
- Calcium: 111.62mg
- Potassium: 1469.04mg
- Iron: 4.92mg
- Vitamin A: 492.43µg
- Vitamin C: 52.50mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Butternut Squash Stew
When preparing your butternut squash, make sure to peel it thoroughly and cut it into even pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly in the stew. Additionally, when you're cooking with sage pork sausage, try browning it in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your stew. Lastly, don't forget to rinse your chickpeas before adding them to the stew to remove any excess sodium.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stew Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut squash: Purchase pre-cut butternut squash to skip the time-consuming task of peeling and chopping a whole squash.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker to reduce cooking time.
Quick sausage: Opt for pre-cooked sausage to cut down on the cooking time required for the stew.
Canned chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones to save time on soaking and cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Hearty Butternut Squash Stew Recipe
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, making it a suitable replacement for butternut squash in the stew.
sage pork sausage - Substitute with Italian sausage: Italian sausage provides a flavorful and aromatic alternative to sage pork sausage, adding depth to the stew.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamier texture, enhancing the overall richness of the stew.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a subtle licorice-like flavor and a satisfying crunch, complementing the other ingredients in the stew.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips offer a similar earthy sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor, adding complexity to the stew.
chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor, enhancing the heartiness of the stew.
tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding depth and color to the stew.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and sweeter flavor, enhancing the overall aroma and taste of the stew.
tomato sauce - Substitute with red wine: Red wine adds depth and richness to the stew, infusing it with complex flavors and aromas.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a rich, earthy flavor, adding depth and complexity to the stew.
garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots provide a milder and sweeter flavor, enhancing the overall aroma and taste of the stew.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the stew, consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The contrast of the butternut squash, sausage, and vegetables will be visually appealing and inviting.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few freshly chopped parsley leaves over the top of the stew just before serving. This will add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and aroma.
Incorporate a drizzle: Before serving, carefully drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze in a circular motion on top of the stew. This will not only add a touch of elegance to the presentation but also provide a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Use complementary dinnerware: Choose a neutral-toned, high-quality ceramic bowl to serve the stew. The simplicity of the bowl will allow the vibrant colors of the stew to take center stage, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Add a side element: Accompany the stew with a slice of freshly baked artisan bread or a warm baguette. Placing it on the side of the bowl will add an element of sophistication and completeness to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Butternut Squash Stew
Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the stew to cook slowly and develop rich flavors.
Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is essential for mixing the ingredients in the slow cooker and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Storing and Freezing Butternut Squash Stew
- Allow the butternut squash stew to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- When ready to reheat, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to thin out the consistency.
- For long-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed stew to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to thin out the consistency.
- Note: The potatoes in the stew may become slightly grainy or mushy after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish will remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Butternut Squash Stew
Reheat the leftover butternut squash stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the stew is heated evenly without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the stew in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, reheat the leftover stew and serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain. This will make the meal more substantial and satisfying.
Transform your leftover stew into a delicious soup by adding some broth or stock to thin it out. Reheat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.
If you have a lot of leftover stew, consider freezing it in individual portions for future meals. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you're ready to enjoy the stew again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above.
Interesting Facts About Butternut Squash
The butternut squash stew recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision and a strong immune system. The combination of chickpeas and sausage provides a good amount of protein, making this stew a filling and satisfying meal. Additionally, the use of aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and Chinese five-spice powder adds depth and flavor to the dish, creating a delicious and comforting stew.
Is Making Butternut Squash Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
This hearty butternut squash stew recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butternut squash, pork sausage, potatoes, and chickpeas, are affordable and readily available. The addition of curry powder, cumin, and Chinese five-spice powder enhances the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. This hearty stew is a wholesome and budget-friendly option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and deliciousness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25.
Is This Butternut Squash Stew Healthy?
The hearty butternut squash stew recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal, packed with a variety of vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. The butternut squash, potatoes, celery, carrots, and bell pepper provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The chickpeas and pork sausage offer a lean protein option, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. The tomatoes and tomato sauce add a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Choose a leaner cut of pork sausage or opt for a turkey or chicken sausage to reduce the saturated fat content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or choose a low-sodium tomato sauce to help control sodium intake
- Add some leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to the stew for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
- Experiment with different spice blends to add flavor without relying on salt, such as Italian seasoning or a Mexican-inspired blend with chili powder and cumin
Editor's Thoughts on This Butternut Squash Stew
The combination of butternut squash, sage pork sausage, and aromatic spices in this stew creates a rich and comforting dish. The addition of chickpeas and tomatoes adds depth and texture, while the curry powder and cumin infuse the stew with warm, earthy flavors. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. However, I would suggest adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall flavor profile. Overall, this stew is a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients and bold spices, perfect for a cozy night in.
Enhance Your Hearty Butternut Squash Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Stew Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Butternut Squash Stew
Why trust this Hearty Butternut Squash Stew Recipe:
This hearty butternut squash stew recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The butternut squash brings a natural sweetness, while the savory sage pork sausage adds depth. The addition of chickpeas provides a good source of plant-based protein, and the blend of curry powder, ground cumin, and Chinese five-spice powder creates a harmonious balance of aromatic spices. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe promises a comforting and satisfying meal. Trust in the wholesome ingredients and the aromatic blend of spices for a delightful dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron and Sage Recipe
Butternut Squash Salad Recipe
Clove Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Creamy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Tuna Salad Wraps Recipe
Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe
Low Fat Blueberry Scones Recipe
Peach Green Smoothie with Hemp Seeds Recipe
Crock Pot Picadillo Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe