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Spiced Bone Broth Stew with Butternut Squash, Dates & Ras el Hanout

This nourishing stew features a rich, collagen-packed bone broth base, infused with ras el hanout (a Moroccan spice blend), tender chunks of butternut squash, carrots, and chickpeas, and finished with sweet Medjool dates, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s grounding and layered with sweet, savory, and spiced fall flavors.
Course Main Course, Soup, Stew
Cuisine Moroccan / Middle Eastern Fusion
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 300kcal

Ingredients

Base:

  • 4 cups high-quality bone broth beef, chicken, or lamb
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1 large carrot sliced
  • 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained (or 1.5 cups cooked)
  • 6 Medjool dates pitted and halved

Spices:

  • 2 tsp ras el hanout or substitute below
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

To Finish:

  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Handful of chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Optional: toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or ghee in a heavy pot. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes.
  • Add Spices: Stir in ras el hanout, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Toast the spices briefly to release aroma.
  • Build the Stew: Add carrots, butternut squash, chickpeas, and bone broth. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add Dates & Simmer: Stir in the Medjool dates. Cover and simmer gently for 45–50 minutes, until veggies are soft and flavors are well-developed.
  • Finish & Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs and crunchy toppings if desired.

Notes

Mix this quick blend:
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  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Pinch 
Top Tips:
  • Serve with warm flatbread, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
  • Add shredded chicken, lamb, or beef for more protein
 
Why It’s Special:
This exotic fall bone broth stew is deeply nourishing and gently spiced, with the natural sweetness of squash and dates, balanced by warming herbs and tangy citrus. 
Nutrition Facts (per serving, ~¼ recipe)
  • Calories: ~300
  • Total Fat: ~5.9 g
    • Saturated Fat: ~1 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~53.5 g
    • Dietary Fiber: ~9 g
    • Total Sugars: ~29.8 g (from carrots, squash, and especially dates)
    • Added Sugars: 0 g
    • Sugar Alcohols: 0 g
  • Protein: ~15.2 g

Minerals (per serving)

  • Sodium: ~878 mg
  • Potassium: ~963 mg
  • Calcium: ~115 mg
  • Iron: ~3.1 mg