Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pot stir fry featuring tender butternut squash and eggplant, combined with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and warming spices. This dish is perfect as a wholesome vegetarian meal that highlights a balance of sweetness, spice, and savory depth, all cooked conveniently in a single pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium Eggplant, diced
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (preferably mixed colors)
- 1 medium Onion, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and cube the butternut squash, dice the eggplant and bell peppers, slice the onion, and mince the garlic and grate the ginger to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until their aroma fills the pot.
- Cook Squash and Eggplant: Add the cubed butternut squash and diced eggplant to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Bell Peppers: Mix in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to slightly tenderize but retain some crunch.
- Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle cumin, coriander, and paprika over the vegetables. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to bloom the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let cook for 15-20 minutes until the butternut squash is fork-tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed for your preferred flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water and a bouillon cube if necessary.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or tofu before simmering.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the other spices.
- Make sure not to overcook the peppers to retain their color and crunch.
