The smell of a spiced stew simmering away on the stove — that’s autumn in a nutshell. This Pumpkin, Cabbage and Chicken Tagine is a warm, fragrant dish that’s perfect for chilly autumn days. The tender pumpkin, hearty cabbage and juicy chicken come together in a flavourful harmony, while the mix of Moroccan spices and a drizzle of honey create that deep, comforting warmth that fills your home with cosiness.

If you own a tagine, this is the perfect time to use it. But don’t worry — a sturdy pot with a lid works just as well!

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A delicious balance of sweet and savoury

Pumpkin and cabbage might sound like an unusual combination, but they complement each other beautifully. The pumpkin adds a mild sweetness, while the cabbage gives the dish some bite. Together with warming spices like cumin, coriander and ginger, this tagine becomes both sweet and savoury — the perfect comfort food for a grey autumn evening.

I often make this dish with home-canned cabbage and canned pumpkin cubes from my pantry. It saves a lot of time on busy days and makes the preparation super easy.

Got a large pumpkin that you can’t finish in one go? You can always can your leftover pumpkin so nothing goes to waste. That way, you’ll have pumpkin on hand all year round for soups, stews or another comforting tagine.

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Why these spices work so well together

The spices in this dish aren’t random — they’ve been paired together for centuries in North African cooking, where flavour, aroma and health benefits go hand in hand.

No worries! These days, you can easily find these spices in most supermarkets. But if, like me, you often cook with them, it’s worth visiting a North African or Asian grocery store. There, you can buy the spices in larger quantities — 250 or even 500 grams — and the difference in price per kilo is definitely noticeable!

• Cumin adds an earthy, nutty note and supports digestion.
• Coriander has a fresh aroma and helps cleanse the body.
• Ginger adds warmth and a subtle heat.
• Cinnamon ties everything together with a hint of sweetness.

Together, they form a balanced and aromatic blend that’s not only delicious but also soothing for your stomach — another reason to make this dish regularly throughout the colder months.

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Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 chicken thighs (or a plant-based alternative)
• 2 onions, sliced into half rings
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 9 oz (250 g) white cabbage, shredded
• 1 lb 2 oz (500 g) pumpkin cubes (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
• Olive oil
• 2 cups (about 400 g) couscous, to serve

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Method

1. Brown the chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your tagine or pot and brown the chicken thighs on medium heat. This adds depth and richness to the flavour.

2. Add onions and garlic
Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add cabbage and spices
Stir in the cabbage along with all the spices — cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Let everything cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavours develop well.

6. Prepare the couscous
Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Using stock instead of water adds extra flavour.

7. Serve
Serve the tagine warm with couscous. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley, and sprinkle with toasted almonds or raisins if you like.

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Variations and inspiration

This dish is wonderfully flexible — adapt it to whatever you have on hand!

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add a can of chickpeas instead.
• Different vegetables: Try carrot, parsnip or aubergine instead of cabbage.
• A fruity twist: Add a handful of dried apricots or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
• Spicier: Add a bit more cayenne or a spoon of harissa paste.

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Storage and meal prep

This tagine tastes even better the next day once the flavours have blended. It keeps for several days in the fridge and freezes beautifully.

You can also can the leftovers for later — perfect for busy weekdays when you still want a homemade meal without the effort.

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Enjoy!

Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, this pumpkin, cabbage and chicken tagine is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. A true taste of autumn, rich with spice and soul.

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