This delightful butternut squash quinoa recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweet, earthy taste of butternut squash. It's a nutritious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner or a healthy lunch. The addition of fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch and a boost of vitamins.
If you're not familiar with quinoa, it's a versatile grain-like seed that's packed with protein and fiber. You can find it in the grains or health food section of most supermarkets. Butternut squash is a winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor, usually found in the produce section. Make sure to get fresh spinach from the produce aisle as well.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Quinoa Recipe
Quinoa: A protein-rich seed that cooks up fluffy and slightly nutty. Butternut squash: A sweet, earthy winter squash that adds a creamy texture. Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash, adding a rich flavor. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish. Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth. Vegetable broth: Used to cook the quinoa, infusing it with extra flavor. Spinach: Fresh greens that add color and nutrients.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When roasting butternut squash, ensure the pieces are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking. For added flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the squash before roasting. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and add a warm, aromatic note to the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
quinoa - Substitute with bulgur wheat: Bulgur wheat has a similar texture and cooking time, making it a great alternative to quinoa.
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar sweetness and texture when roasted, providing a comparable flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat content and a high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist.
vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth offers a rich umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar nutritional profile and can be used in the same way as spinach, providing a slightly different texture and flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the butternut squash quinoa to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled quinoa mixture to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious.
- For longer storage, divide the quinoa into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. This makes it easy to grab a single serving when needed.
- Label each container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Butternut squash quinoa can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the quinoa in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, warm it in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
- If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.
- For a fresh twist, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to revive the flavors and textures.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to the skillet.
- Add the leftover butternut squash quinoa mixture to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally, heating until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more vegetable broth to keep it moist.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the leftover quinoa and butternut squash mixture to a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to the dish to prevent drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals if necessary until fully warmed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the leftover butternut squash quinoa mixture in an even layer in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the leftover quinoa and butternut squash mixture in a heatproof bowl or a steamer basket.
- Set the bowl or basket over the simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
- Cover with a lid and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the butternut squash until it becomes tender and flavorful.
Baking sheet: A flat surface to spread the butternut squash on for roasting.
Saucepan: Essential for boiling the vegetable broth and cooking the quinoa.
Fork: Used to fluff the cooked quinoa, ensuring it has a light and airy texture.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and fresh spinach.
Knife: Necessary for peeling and cubing the butternut squash.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the butternut squash.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of quinoa, vegetable broth, and olive oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, pepper, and olive oil precisely.
Spatula: Helps in tossing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and cube the butternut squash the night before to save time on cooking day.
Use pre-washed quinoa: Purchase pre-washed quinoa to skip the rinsing step.
Batch roast: Roast extra butternut squash and store for future meals.
Quick spinach prep: Use pre-washed, bagged spinach to eliminate washing and drying time.
One-pot method: Cook the quinoa and vegetable broth in the same pot to reduce cleanup time.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach. Toss to combine.
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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