Chobe River Curried Butternut, Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Authentic Botswana Recipe

Ingredients for Chobe River Curried Butternut, Chickpea & Spinach Stew (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) cubed butternut squash, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups tender chickpeas, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with mild curry powder
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Botswana seasoning (garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cilantro)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and mild curry powder for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cilantro and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Botswana's kitchen.
3. Add cubed butternut squash and tender chickpeas, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.