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Roasted Carnival Squash with Savory Chickpea Filling

Roasted Carnival Squash with Savory Chickpea Filling is a heartwarming vegetarian dish that features the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted carnival squash paired with a savory, spiced chickpea filling. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make meal not only delights the palate but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Enjoy a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium carnival squashes (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Halve the carnival squashes lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle olive oil inside each half and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
  4. Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in chopped spinach, cumin, and paprika; cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  6. Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up and fill generously with chickpea mixture. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes before serving hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: Customize your filling by adding cooked lentils or sautéed kale for extra nutrients. For added richness, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.