Qoozi-Style Bahraini Spiced Chickpea, Raisin & NutStuffed Squash – Authentic Bahrain Recipe
Plant-based tribute to Bahrain’s festive feast, stuffing roasted squash with jewel-toned spiced rice and nuts.
- Country of Origin
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain (Middle East, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Roasted butternut or acorn squash, Fragrant bezar-spiced rice and chickpeas, Toasted almonds and golden raisins, Dried black lime, Cinnamon
Ingredients for Qoozi-Style Bahraini Spiced Chickpea, Raisin & NutStuffed Squash (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) roasted butternut or acorn squash, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups fragrant bezar-spiced rice and chickpeas, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup toasted almonds and golden raisins
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with dried black lime
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Bahrain seasoning (cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, caramelized onions)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, dried black lime, and cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, caramelized onions for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine roasted butternut or acorn squash and fragrant bezar-spiced rice and chickpeas with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with toasted almonds and golden raisins and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.