Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Tagine

This hearty and flavorful Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Tagine is the kind of one-pot wonder you’ll want to make again and again. With sweet dates, briny olives, and tender chunks of butternut squash, it’s packed with bold flavor and wonderful texture. The ras el hanout gives it that unmistakable Moroccan warmth—perfect for cozy nights. I made this for a weeknight dinner and was amazed how simple it was to pull off. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 butternut squash (1.2kg)
• 100g Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1 tbsp ras el hanout, plus extra for dusting
• 1 x 700g jar or 2 x 400g tins chickpeas (with liquid)
• 100g marinated green olives (pitted)

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Tagine

1. Prep the Squash:Scrub the butternut squash clean and halve it lengthwise. There’s no need to peel—just chop it into 4cm chunks. You can also roughly chop the seeds to toast later for a crunchy garnish.
2. Toast the Seeds:Heat a large shallow casserole pan over medium heat. Drizzle in a little olive oil, then add the squash seeds. Toss them around for a few minutes until they start popping. Scoop them out and set aside for later.
3. Brown the Squash:Add your squash chunks to the pan with a bit more olive oil. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re nicely browned. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
4. Soak the Dates:While the squash is cooking, place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover with 500ml of boiling water. Let them soak and soften while you prep the rest of the dish.
5. Add Spice and Chickpeas:Once the squash is golden, stir in 1 tablespoon of ras el hanout. Pour in the chickpeas with their liquid, then add the soaked dates along with the soaking water. Tear in the green olives. Stir well, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
6. Finish the Dish:After 20 minutes, remove the lid and allow the tagine to cook uncovered for another 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens. Season with salt and sprinkle with an extra pinch of ras el hanout for a final kick. Top with the crispy squash seeds before serving.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s the ultimate vegetarian comfort dish—sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bowl. The butternut squash gets beautifully tender, the chickpeas are hearty, and those plump dates melt right into the sauce. It’s also incredibly satisfying with a side of couscous or warm flatbread. One of the best things about Jamie’s five-ingredient recipes is how accessible they are—and this one is a winner.

Recipe Tips

• Leave the skin on the squash: It softens while cooking and gives a nice texture.
• Use Medjool dates: They’re naturally softer and sweeter, perfect for enriching the sauce.
• Don’t rush the browning: That caramelization step brings out big flavor in the squash.
• Use the chickpea liquid: It adds body and flavor to the sauce—don’t drain it!
• Customize with more spice: A little extra ras el hanout at the end brightens everything up.

How To Store Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squash Tagine

• In the Fridge:Let the tagine cool fully, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating:Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Heat until bubbling and hot throughout.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is this dish vegan?
  Yes, it’s completely plant-based and packed with natural flavors.
• Can I use another squash variety?
  Absolutely—kabocha or acorn squash would work well too.
• What is ras el hanout?
  It’s a North African spice blend with warm flavors like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. You can find it in most supermarkets.
• Can I add other veggies?
  Totally. Carrots, sweet potatoes, or even aubergines would fit right in.
• What should I serve with it?
  Couscous, flatbread, or rice are all excellent choices for soaking up that rich sauce.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 347 kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 51.9g
• Sugars: 22.3g
• Salt: 1.1g
• Fibre: 11.3g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Minty Courgette Tart
• 5 Ingredients Runner Bean Stew
• 5 Ingredients Mujadara
• 5 Ingredients Potato Bombas