Easy Butternut Squash Recipe With Lentil And Quinoa

QUINOA WITH ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
• Place the squash in a medium bowl and add 3 tablespoons of the oil, the thyme and 2 teaspoons of salt and season with pepper to taste. Mix until the squash is well coated. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and spread squash out into a single layer. Roast until a paring knife slides into the squash with no resistance, about 30 minutes, stirring about halfway through the cooking time. Put the pistachios on a small baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa in cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. Bring the broth or water to a boil and stir in the quinoa. Simmer, uncovered, until a small white spiral becomes visible in each grain, about 9 minutes. Drain the quinoa and transfer it to a medium bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the pistachios, cranberries, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl and toss with the hot squash until slightly wilted. Add the quinoa mixture and toss again. Serve warm or at room temperature.

RED LENTIL QUINOA BOWL

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add the peeled and cubed butternut squash and chopped carrot to a roasting tray. Add 2 tsp olive oil and a generous sprinkling of sea salt and pepper and use your hands to mix so everything is coated. Roast for 35-45 minutes until tender.
• Rinse the quinoa well under cold water. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup uncooked quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and lightly simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes with the lid on. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
• Rinse the red lentils. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup lentils, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
• To make the broccoli, steam on the stovetop for 4-5 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
• Make Tahini Sauce: To make the tahini sauce, mix everything but the water together until fully combined. Slowly add water 1-2 tbsp at a time until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. It should be thick but pourable.
• To assemble, divide everything between 4 containers or bowls and serve right away.

STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Halve the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds and score the flesh with a sharp knife.
• Arrange the two halves on a baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil, season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, sprinkle with dried oregano and cook for 40 minutes. Take out the oven, add the chopped peppers to the tray alongside the squash and cook for a further 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile mix the rest of the ingredients. Take the tray out of the oven and carefully transfer the peppers to the stuffing mix. Stir together and spoon the filling onto the butternut squash. Return to the oven for 10 mins. Serve.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH LENTILS AND FETA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pick any debris from the lentils, then rinse the lentils under running water. Transfer them to a medium saucepan, then add the cinnamon, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Add enough water to cover everything by 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and let simmer until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain the lentils, discard the cinnamon and garlic, then transfer the lentils to a large bowl.
• While the lentils cook, prepare the squash: Trim and discard the top and bottom ends of the squash. Peel the squash, halve it lengthwise, and remove and discard the strings and seeds. Slice the squash crosswise 1/4-inch thick and place the pieces on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast the squash until completely tender, slightly caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, and let cool for 10 minutes. Once cool, add to the lentils.
• While the squash cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, honey, cumin, cayenne and black pepper. Taste and season to taste with salt.
• Sprinkle the feta, scallions and pumpkin seeds over the lentils and squash. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dressing over the lentils and squash. Serve warm or at room temperature, with the remaining dressing on the side.