By Maddy Karlsson, HCTP July 2016
Butternut squash is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat. It is rich in vitamin A, potassium, and digestive fiber, and its vibrant color comes from tons of antioxidants that help boost your immune system and fight inflammation. Despite its sweet taste and being very filling, butternut squash is surprisingly low in calories, too!
Chickpeas are a great source of protein, folate, and fiber, which helps control blood sugar, increase satiety, and improve digestion! This dish is great for a light lunch or as a side to some chicken or fish! You can throw in some tuna and avocado to make it more filling!
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 cup of fresh coriander
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Place whole, unpeeled butternut squash in oven. (If it’s too big, cut it in half.)
- Bake squash until soft (30–40 minutes depending on size).
- Rinse chickpeas with cold water.
- Heat a large pan with coconut oil and add onion. Let it brown and add the garlic, chickpeas, vegetable stock, tomatoes, and spices. Stir and let simmer.
- Remove squash from oven, peel it, and slice it into small pieces.
- Add squash to curry, and let it all simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and you end up with a thick sauce.
- Optional: Serve with coconut or goat milk yogurt and fresh coriander on a bed of quinoa.
Maddy Karlsson has always been interested in holistic health, nutrition, and fitness but never thought she’d be able to make a living out of her passion until she discovered The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Maddy left a career working with senior politicians in the British Parliament to study holistic health and nutrition after seeing the state of an overburdened healthcare system. As a nutrition coach and the founder of Nutrition for Naughty People, Maddy is empowering her clients to be active participants in their own health care. She is helping them get off the dieting roller coaster and empowering them with the knowledge required to start eating healthy in a way that suits their needs and that they enjoy! She is a passionate advocate of whole foods and intuitive eating, inspiring clients to trust themselves instead of a diet to achieve optimal health. Find more from Maddy on her website and Instagram.