- 2 gem squash
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 400g tin of chickpeas
- 2 tsp garam masala
- A pinch or 2 of chilli powder
- 50g sweet salad mix
- A handful of mint, leaves only
- 150g 0% fat Greek style yogurt
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.
Heat your oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Use a large, sharp knife to trim the stalks off the gem squash, then halve them. Scoop out the seeds (see our tip). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 2.
Pop the squash halves in a roasting tin or on a baking tray, cut-side up. Roast at the top of the oven for 40 mins till tender.
- 3.
While the squash roast, tip 1 tsp coriander seeds into a dry frying pan. Toast over a medium heat for 2-3 mins till the seeds smell aromatic. Tip into a pestle and mortar, or crush in a small bowl with the bottom of a jam jar or the end of a rolling pin.
- 4.
Drain the chickpeas and give them a good rinse. Tip them into a bowl. Add ½ tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add the crushed coriander, 2 tsp garam masala and some chilli powder – anything from a pinch to 1 tsp, depending on how hot you like your food.
- 5.
Toss the chickpeas and spices together so they’re well coated. Tip them into a roasting tin or onto a baking tray. Roast on a shelf below the squash for 20-25 mins. Shake the tin occasionally – the chickpeas should be crisp and golden brown. Set them aside when they’re done roasting.
- 6.
While the squash and chickpeas roast, tip the salad mix into a bowl. Add ½ tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to mix. Pick the mint leaves off their sprigs and finely slice them.
- 7.
When the squash are tender (pierce them with a fork to test), take them out of the oven. Drain off any water that has gathered in the squash.
- 8.
Heap the chickpeas into the squash bowls. Top with spoonfuls of the yogurt, a drizzle of the tamarind paste, the shredded mint leaves and a little pinch of chilli powder. Serve with the salad.
- Tip
Snack attack
Save your squash seeds and roast them for a delicious crunchy snack. Wash them clean, tumble them with a little oil or melted butter, a pinch of salt and your favourite spices, such as chilli flakes or smoked paprika. Spread them out on a baking tray and roast at 150°C/Fan 130°C/Gas 3 for 30-40 mins till golden.