Description
Cozy Quinoa Butternut Squash is a warm, nutritious, and comforting dish featuring roasted butternut squash and fluffy quinoa. This wholesome recipe combines earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness, enriched by fragrant herbs and spices. Perfect for chilly days, it’s easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, vegan, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins, greens, and seasonings. Ideal for batch cooking, it makes a satisfying meal any time you crave something hearty and healthy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or fresh sage or thyme)
Optional Variations
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or toasted nuts (for protein boost)
- Chili flakes, curry powder, or cumin (for extra spice)
- 1 cup kale, spinach, or swiss chard (for greens addition)
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (for dairy option)
- Drizzle of maple syrup or pomegranate seeds (for sweetness touch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Start by peeling and removing the seeds from the butternut squash, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices such as cinnamon or smoked paprika. Roast the squash in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Cook the Quinoa: While the squash roasts, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil, then add the quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. This creates a savory base that complements the sweetness of the squash.
- Combine and Season: Add the roasted butternut squash and cooked quinoa to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir gently to combine, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme. Let everything warm together for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the Cozy Quinoa Butternut Squash to serving bowls. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley, or optional toppings such as crumbled feta, a drizzle of tahini, or Greek yogurt. Enjoy immediately for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Preheat the oven properly to ensure the butternut squash roasts evenly and caramelizes beautifully.
- Rinse quinoa well under cold water to remove bitterness and improve texture.
- Don’t skip the aromatics like garlic and onion, as they add depth and balance the sweetness of the squash.
- Use fresh herbs to add brightness and freshness that lightens the dish.
- Adjust seasoning gradually by tasting often to find your perfect balance of salt and spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa, butternut squash, vegan, gluten-free, cozy, healthy, comfort food, roasted squash, nutritious, easy recipe
