This quinoa with butternut squash recipe is a colorful, delicious, and nutritious dish. It combines the nutty, wholesome goodness of quinoa with the sweet, savory flavors of butternut squash. Vibrant additions of red onion, spinach, and cranberries lend a refreshing taste and stunning visual appeal. Finished off with a dash of orange zest and a sprinkle of pistachios, this dish is a feast for the senses.
The star ingredients of this recipe are quinoa and butternut squash. Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free grain often used as a healthier alternative to rice. It's readily available in most supermarkets, usually found in the grains or health food section. Butternut squash is a winter vegetable with a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin. It can be found in the produce section. Also, don’t forget to look for pistachios in the nuts aisle.
Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe Ingredients
Butternut squash: A sweet, nutty winter vegetable that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Red onion: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Garlic cloves: Provides a pungent, warming flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.
Vegetable oil: Used for roasting the vegetables and keeping them from sticking to the pan.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Quinoa: A healthy grain that adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the cooked quinoa.
Orange zest: Imparts a zesty, fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
Spinach: Adds a touch of bitterness and an extra serving of greens.
Dried cranberries: Adds a sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture.
Pistachios: Gives a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
One reader, Colet Chaves says:
This quinoa with butternut squash recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The sweetness of the squash and cranberries, the crunch of the pistachios, and the earthy quinoa create a delightful harmony. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Techniques for Preparing Quinoa With Butternut Squash
How to roast butternut squash: Cut the butternut squash into small cubes, toss with oil, and spread on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 30 minutes or until soft and slightly browned at the edges.
How to cook quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then combine it with chicken broth and orange zest in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
How to assemble the dish: Combine the roasted veggies, cooked quinoa, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and pistachios in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
How To Make Quinoa with Butternut Squash
This quinoa stuffing recipe adds a healthier taste to your meal with the addition of butternut squash, cranberries, and pistachios. Colorful and flavorful.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1butternut squash,peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1red onion,peeled and diced
- 5garlic cloves,with peel still on
- 1tbspvegetable oil,or canola, or any high-heat oil
- salt and pepper
- 1½cupsquinoa,rinsed
- 3cupschicken broth,vegetable broth, or water
- orange zest,of 1 orange
- 2cupsfresh spinach,roughly chopped
- ⅔cupdried cranberries
- ½cuppistachios,shelled
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
-
In a large mixing bowl, toss butternut squash, onion, and garlic cloves until they are evenly coated with oil. Spread then out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft and cooked and the edges begin to slightly brown.
-
Remove and set aside. Discard the garlic peels.
-
Meanwhile, stir together quinoa, broth (or water), and orange zest, and cook according to package instructions. When cooked, set aside.
-
Add the cooked veggies, quinoa, spinach, cranberries, and pistachios to a large mixing bowl, and gently toss to combine.
-
Season with additional salt and pepper if need be. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 373.47kcal
- Fat: 11.38g
- Saturated Fat: 1.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.62g
- Carbohydrates: 58.88g
- Fiber: 7.32g
- Sugar: 14.22g
- Protein: 12.71g
- Cholesterol: 3.60mg
- Sodium: 711.91mg
- Calcium: 99.28mg
- Potassium: 877.58mg
- Iron: 3.70mg
- Vitamin A: 494.26µg
- Vitamin C: 23.47mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Quinoa With Butternut Squash
To ensure that your butternut squash cooks evenly, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces before roasting. This will also help to achieve a consistent texture throughout the dish. Additionally, when cooking quinoa, remember to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter saponins that naturally occur on the outside of the grains. This will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Quinoa Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the butternut squash, onion, and garlic in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut squash: Consider buying pre-cut butternut squash to skip the peeling and chopping steps.
Multi-task: While the butternut squash is roasting, cook the quinoa to save time.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a pressure cooker to cook the quinoa and butternut squash together to save time and cleanup.
Buy pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to eliminate the need for washing and drying before use.
Substitute Ingredients For Quinoa with Butternut Squash Recipe
quinoa - Substitute with bulgur: Bulgur has a similar nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a great substitute for quinoa in this recipe.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor, and its texture is similar to butternut squash, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly while still providing a flavorful base for the quinoa and squash.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, adding a hearty texture and robust flavor to the dish.
dried cranberries - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins can be used as a substitute for dried cranberries, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavor to complement the dish.
pistachios - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for pistachios, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
Presenting Quinoa With Butternut Squash
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal. Consider the contrast of the vibrant orange butternut squash against the green spinach and the deep red cranberries. The presentation should be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Incorporate artistic elements: Utilize the natural shapes and textures of the ingredients to create an artistic and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. The butternut squash can be sliced and arranged in an elegant manner, and the spinach can be delicately placed to add a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced and symmetrical presentation. The quinoa can be formed into a neat mound using a ring mold for a clean and polished look. Arrange the other components around the quinoa in a way that creates a sense of harmony and balance on the plate.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a delicate scattering of orange zest. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but also add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation. Every element on the plate should be purposefully placed and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Quinoa and Butternut Squash
- Oven: Used for roasting and baking the butternut squash and other ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Used to provide a flat, heatproof surface for roasting the butternut squash, onion, and garlic.
- Aluminum foil: Used to line the baking sheet, making for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Large mixing bowl: Used for tossing the butternut squash, onion, and garlic with oil and for combining the cooked quinoa, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Vegetable oil: Used for coating the butternut squash, onion, and garlic before roasting.
- Salt and pepper: Used for seasoning the roasted butternut squash and other ingredients.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking the quinoa with chicken broth and orange zest.
- Zester: Used for grating the orange zest to add a citrusy flavor to the quinoa.
- Spatula: Used for tossing and combining the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, spinach, cranberries, and pistachios.
- Mixing spoon: Used for stirring the quinoa as it cooks and for combining the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Chef's knife: Used for cutting the butternut squash and onion.
- Cutting board: Used as a surface for cutting the butternut squash and onion.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the quinoa, chicken broth, cranberries, and pistachios.
- Large serving bowl: Used for serving the quinoa with butternut squash dish.
Storing and Freezing Quinoa With Butternut Squash
- To store leftover quinoa with butternut squash, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- If you want to freeze the dish for longer storage, portion the cooled quinoa and squash mixture into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
- When stored properly in the freezer, the quinoa with butternut squash will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen quinoa and squash, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- If the reheated dish seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it and restore its original texture.
- Keep in mind that the spinach may lose some of its vibrant color and texture after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Quinoa With Butternut Squash
Reheat in the microwave: place the leftover quinoa with butternut squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the quinoa from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Reheat on the stovetop: transfer the leftover quinoa with butternut squash to a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten the quinoa and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Reheat in the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover quinoa with butternut squash to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the quinoa from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheat in the air fryer: transfer the leftover quinoa with butternut squash to the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through.
Reheat and repurpose: transform your leftover quinoa with butternut squash into a new dish. Sauté the leftovers with some olive oil, garlic, and your favorite vegetables. Add a protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal. Alternatively, use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or lettuce wraps.
Interesting Fact About Quinoa and Butternut Squash
The butternut squash used in this recipe is a rich source of vitamin A, providing over 200% of the recommended daily intake in just one cup. This nutrient is essential for maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper organ function. Additionally, quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake. Both butternut squash and quinoa are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes, making them valuable additions to any kitchen.
Is Making Quinoa With Butternut Squash Cost-Effective?
This quinoa with butternut squash recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Butternut squash and quinoa are affordable, nutrient-dense ingredients, providing great value for money. The addition of spinach, cranberries, and pistachios adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a budget-friendly and wholesome meal option. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an economical and nutritious choice.
Is This Quinoa and Butternut Squash Dish Healthy?
This quinoa with butternut squash recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. The quinoa provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, while the butternut squash offers a rich supply of vitamins A and C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. The addition of spinach further boosts the vitamin and mineral content, and the cranberries and pistachios add antioxidants, healthy fats, and a delightful texture to the dish.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make this recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for roasting the vegetables or consider using a healthier alternative like olive oil or coconut oil
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Include a wider variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, to increase the nutrient diversity
- Use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones to reduce the sugar content and add more tartness and flavor
- Consider adding a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the dish more satiating and balanced
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy quinoa and butternut squash recipe, making it an even more wholesome and satisfying meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Butternut Squash and Quinoa Dish
The combination of roasted butternut squash, quinoa, and a medley of flavors and textures from the spinach, cranberries, and pistachios creates a delightful and nutritious dish. The use of orange zest adds a refreshing citrusy note to the quinoa, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and nutty elements. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a flavorful side. Overall, it's a delightful and wholesome recipe that is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Quinoa with Butternut Squash Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Quinoa With Butternut Squash
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Quinoa Recipe
Why trust this Quinoa with Butternut Squash Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome meal. The roasted butternut squash provides a rich, caramelized sweetness, complemented by the savory notes of the red onion and garlic cloves. The quinoa adds a nutty undertone, while the orange zest infuses a refreshing citrus aroma. The addition of fresh spinach and dried cranberries introduces a vibrant burst of color and a delightful contrast of tastes. Finally, the pistachios contribute a delightful crunch, completing this dish with a touch of indulgence and wholesomeness.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron and Sage Recipe
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Recipe
Butternut Soup with Crispy Sage & Apple Croutons Recipe
Butternut Squash, Sage & Walnut Honeycomb Cannelloni Recipe
Clove Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut Squash Soup with Chilli & Crème Fraîche Recipe
Spiced Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe
Chef John’s Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Ground Pork and Butternut Squash Stir-Fry Recipe
Butternut Squash Salad Recipe
