AmericanMedium · Hot
A hearty, rustic skillet dish where tender roasted butternut squash mingles with creamy white beans in a smoky, cumin-scented broth. Simple, savory, and deeply satisfying.
15 min
30 min
45 min
Method
Peel the butternut squash, halve it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes. You should have about 3 cups. Dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and coating the onion.
Add the butternut squash cubes to the skillet. Toss to coat in the spiced oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the squash begins to brown at the edges.
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the white beans to the skillet. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the squash is completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove from heat. Strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs and scatter over the top. Serve directly from the skillet while hot.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -11
Calories
524
per serving
Protein
28g
Carbs
91g
Fat
8g
Sat. fat
8g
Fiber
15g
Sugar
9g
Sodium
678mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.4
per serving
Water
0.3m³
Runoff
0.04g P
White Beans drives 48% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Large Cast Iron SkilletTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cross Contamination
Use dedicated utensils and cookware if preparing for individuals with allergen concerns. If sharing equipment from dishes containing wheat, soy, or celery, thoroughly wash between preparations.
Cooking Temperature
Ensure skillet maintains a simmer (185-205°F) during the 10-12 minute covered cooking phase to safely cook squash and beans through. Final uncovered reduction should reach 200°F minimum.
Storage
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate in airtight containers at 40°F or below. Consume within 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout before serving.
High Risk Population
Immunocompromised individuals, young children, and elderly should only consume this dish if chicken broth ingredients are verified and cross-contamination risks are eliminated.
Allergen Warning
When using store-bought chicken broth, always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens including gluten, soy, and celery which are common in commercial broth formulations.
Pro Tips
Technique
Do not rush the browning of your squash. Let it sit undisturbed for a full 2-3 minutes between stirs—you want those dark, caramelized edges that give the dish its depth, just like the char on a well-tended skewer.
Substitution
If you want to make this more of a centerpiece, toss in some cubed lamb shoulder during the last 10 minutes of simmering—the lamb's fat will render into the broth and transform this into something truly celebratory.
From the chef
Butternut squash deserves the same respect as a lamb shoulder — patience, high heat, and room to caramelize without interruption. Cubed and seared in olive oil with smoked paprika and cumin before the broth goes in, it develops char at the edges while the white beans absorb that smoky, spiced liquid and thicken it into something glossy and satisfying. The old principles of fire and restraint work on anything you place near the flame. This skillet is proof.
Source: generated · June 12, 2026