Happy New Year! 🎉

 

I feel like this week has had a big mix of people either still in full holiday mode or adjusting to being back to work. Whatever category you fall in, I hope that your 2024 is off to a great start.

 

It's supposed to get really cold here in Victoria (well, cold by Victoria standards anyways, haha) next week so I scoured the web searching for recipes with warm spices- and my mind went right to Moroccan flavours! 

 

This week's recipe will keep you warm on the chilliest of days and keep you incredibly nourished with its wide variety of nutrients, protein, and cozy vibes. Enjoy!

 

 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups organic low-sodium vegetable broth (or bone broth)
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups cubed butternut squash (frozen pre-chopped is the best!)
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed well
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• fresh juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• Optional: a few basil leaves, chopped

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook a few minutes or until the onion becomes softened.
2. Next stir in cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne; cook for 30 seconds to a minute until spices are fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes, broth, chickpeas, butternut squash, lentils, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until butternut squash is tender and lentils are fully cooked.
4. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with cilantro and basil, if desired. Serve with a dollop of yogurt if you aren't vegan. Makes 4 servings - about 2 cups each.
    

• You can buy pre-chopped frozen butternut squash at most grocery stores and that is a serious time saver! Highly recommend
• If you’re not vegetarian, you can swap the vegetable broth for a bone broth to add an extra boost of protein.