Savory Grilled Squash with Chickpeas

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.25 · €1.56/serving

• 1 lb. courgette, sliced into 2-inch chunks (toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling)Est. price €1.20–€2.80
• 1 Tbsp. plus cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil; additional for drizzling (use the best quality olive oil you have for the best flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (season generously for added flavor)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1 tsp. exquisite Diamond Crystal or tsp. superb Morton kosher salt, divided; extra to taste (season with salt at each stage of cooking to enhance flavors)Est. price €0.02–€0.06
• 8 oz. assorted miniature sweet peppers, halved with stems removed (roast at high heat for a charred flavor)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
• tsp. ground turmeric (mix with a little oil to enhance absorption)Est. price €0.05–€0.12
• Cilantro leaves with delicate stems and fluffy steamed white rice (for serving) (garnish with fresh herbs before serving for a pop of color and flavor)Est. price €0.30–€0.70
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (toast in a dry pan for a nutty aroma)Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• 1 lb. vibrant cherry or Sun Gold tomatoes (about 4 cups) (use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste)Est. price €2.00–€4.50
• 1 tsp. aromatic cumin seeds (lightly crush the seeds to release their fragrance)Est. price €0.04–€0.10

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, add the squash. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil on top and season with black pepper and either ½ teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or ¼ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt. Mix well to ensure the squash is evenly coated. Next, skewer the sweet peppers onto kebab sticks for grilling.

2. 2

   Set up a grill with 2-zone heat by arranging most of the charcoal on one side for a charcoal grill, or setting one burner to medium-high and one or two burners to low for a gas grill. Position a medium-sized cast-iron skillet on the grate over the medium-high heat. Heat up ¼ cup of oil in the skillet. Place the squash and skewered peppers on the grate over the medium-low heat. Grill them while turning occasionally until they develop a slight char around their edges, which should take about 6 minutes.

3. 3

   In a skillet, cook the garlic over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant, which should take around 10 seconds. Next, add the cumin and continue to cook while stirring for about 30 seconds until it releases its aroma. Proceed by incorporating the tomatoes along with paprika, coriander, turmeric, and either 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or half a teaspoon of Morton kosher salt. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook on the grill until the tomatoes blister and the spices become aromatic; this should take approximately 6 minutes.

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• Cultural note

  Grilled squash with chickpeas is a popular Mediterranean dish that highlights the use of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. It showcases the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the region.

• Seasonal note

  Squash, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro are best in the summer and fall months. Chickpeas are available year-round.

• Health note

  This dish is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. It is relatively low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The high fiber content promotes digestive health.