Skillet Suppers
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[Photographs: Yasmin Fahr]

Try adding toasted sliced almonds as an additional garnish for some extra crunch. This dish isn't overly spicy, but if you are sensitive to heat, free to leave out the chili pepper and lightly season with dried red chili flakes instead for a milder dish.

About the Author: Yasmin Fahr is a food lover, writer, and cook. Follow her @yasminfahr for more updates on her eating adventures and discoveries, which will most likely include tomatoes. And probably feta. Happy eating!

Every recipe we publish is tested, tasted, and Serious Eats-approved by our staff. Never miss a recipe again by following @SeriousRecipes on Twitter!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 pound pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons, see note above)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced or grated with a Microplane grater (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 6 ounces Israeli or pearled couscous
  • 3 cups homemade or store-bought low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and fine stems

Procedures

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp and rendered, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta and set aside.

  2. Return pan to medium heat. Add the remaining oil and then add the shallots, serrano peppers, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the cumin and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the squash and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the couscous and broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and squash is tender, about 12 minutes.

  3. Add the chickpeas and pancetta to the pan to warm through, season to taste with salt and pepper and toss with lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes to allow cous cous to finish hydrating, stir in cilantro, and serve.