Berbere Chicken & Squash Stew

Berbere-marinated chicken, autumn squash, and warming ginger make a vibrant Ethiopian-inspired stew that comes together in one pot.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $29
  • Calories per serving: 520 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Berbere-marinated chicken breast
    1 lb $21.99
  • Winter squash
    1 1/2 lb untrimmed, yielding about 1 lb peeled and seeded $4.99
  • Yellow onion
    6 oz $9.25
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $1.75
  • Frozen baby ginger
    1 tablespoon finely grated, about 1/2 oz $15.99
  • Canola oil
    1 tablespoon $5.99
  • Ground cardamom
    1/8 teaspoon $12.99
  • Canned diced tomatoes
    1 can (14.5 oz), with juices $1.79
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
    1 cup $1.99
  • Extra-fine sea salt
    1/2 teaspoon $2.52
  • Apple cider vinegar
    1 teaspoon $23.99

Instructions

  1. Peel and seed 1 1/2 lb winter squash, yielding about 1 lb flesh, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Peel and finely dice 6 oz yellow onion.

  2. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Finely grate enough frozen baby ginger to measure 1 tablespoon; let it soften briefly if needed.

  3. Cut 1 lb berbere-marinated chicken breast into 1-inch pieces, keeping its clinging marinade. Do not add salt to the already-seasoned chicken.

  4. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a medium heavy pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and beginning to turn golden.

  5. Add the prepared garlic and ginger along with 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom. Stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

  6. Add the following to the pot:

    • The prepared squash cubes
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
    • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1/2 teaspoon extra-fine sea salt

    Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, until the squash is nearly tender.

  7. Stir in the prepared chicken. Return to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the squash is tender. Mash a few squash cubes against the pot with a spoon to lightly thicken the stew.

  8. Stir in 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Divide between two shallow bowls, arranging some squash and chicken on top, and spoon the richly colored broth around them.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the berbere heat and echoes the squash’s sweetness.