Hearty Chickpea and Squash Stew

This is the kind of pot I make when the weather turns and I want something that fills the kitchen with the smell of onions and oregano without asking much of me. Chickpeas and squash are old companions in many home kitchens, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, and they share a gift: both turn creamy and soft without any help beyond time and a little liquid. Butternut squash in particular is one of those vegetables that tastes sweeter than it has any right to, which is why a stew built around it never feels heavy even with the potatoes thrown in.

A quick tip on the squash. Microwaving the whole thing for a few minutes before you cut it is a small trick that saves real effort. The skin softens enough that a sharp knife glides through, and the flesh is easier to cut into even one-inch chunks. Keep the chunks roughly the same size so they finish cooking together with the potatoes.

The peanut butter is the part that surprises people. Stirred in near the end, it doesn't make the stew taste like dessert. It rounds out the tomatoes and gives the broth a little body, the same way a spoonful of tahini or nut butter works in many savory West African and Southeast Asian dishes. Stir it well first so it blends smoothly rather than clumping at the bottom of the pot.

For leftovers, this stew keeps well in the fridge for about four days and often tastes better on the second day, once the flavors have settled. It also freezes nicely, though the potatoes can get a little grainy after a long freeze, so I tend to freeze half the batch and eat the rest fresh. If it thickens too much in the fridge, loosen it with a splash of broth or water as you reheat it.

Serve it with something crisp and bright on the side. A bowl of Lemon Herb Chickpea Salad makes a light, cool contrast, and a platter of Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Snack is fun to pass around for anyone who wants extra crunch on top. If you want something smooth and golden to spoon alongside, the Golden Rutabaga and Carrot Mash fits right in with the same autumn flavors.