Description
Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe, augmented with lentils and quinoa for a satisfying lunch, side dish, or warm fall salad. A combination of warm Mediterranean spices, fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice takes it to a new level of delicious. Vegan. Gluten Free. Review tips for prepare-ahead and storage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole butternut squash (select a smaller one)
- Salt
- 2 tsp/4.6 g ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 tsp/3.8 g allspice, divided
- 1 tsp/2.3 g coriander, divided
- 1 tsp/ 2.1 g paprika, divided
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup/170 g dry quinoa, soaked in water for 2 minutes, then rinsed
- 1 cup/200 g dry black lentils, sorted and rinsed
- Water
- 2 scallions, white and green parts, trimmed and chopped
- Large handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Microwave butternut squash for 2 to 3 minutes (this will help with peeling and cutting.) Handle carefully.
- Peel and Cube Squash. Place squash on a cutting board on it’s side and cut both ends. Keeping the squash on its side, hold with one hand, and with the other, peel using a sharp vegetable peeler like this one. Cut lengthwise into halves. And using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into strips, and each strip into cubes.
- Season Squash. Place cubed butternut squash on a large baking sheet. Season with salt. Sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin (remainder of each spice will be used later.) Drizzle generously with private reserve extra virgin olive oil and toss.
- Roast Squash. Spread the squash in one layer on the sheet pan, then place on middle rack of heated oven. At the 15 minute mark, carefully remove the sheet pan from oven add the garlic cloves and drizzle with a little olive oil. Toss squash cubes. Return to oven for another 10 minutes.
- While squash is roasting. Make the lentils and quinoa.
- Cook lentils. Place black lentils in a sauce pan and add 3 cups of water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer (with the cover somewhat tilted open ) for 20-25 minutes or so. Drain.
- Cook quinoa at the same time. Place rinsed quinoa in another saucepan. Add 2 cups of water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid has completely absorbed.
- Assemble the Butternut Squash Dish. Place cooked lentils and quinoa in a large bowl, season with the remainder of spices and a little more salt. Toss a little to combine. Add the cooked butternut squash. Chop the roasted garlic and add. Then add scallions and fresh parsley.
- Toss all the ingredients together. Add fresh lemon juice to your taste (start with 2 tsp and go from there.) Add a generous drizzle of Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil. Toss everything well to combine. Taste to adjust salt or add more of the same spices as you like. Top with toasted almonds.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. You can set it aside to let the flavors meld before serving. You can prepare this in advance and keep in the fridge overnight (See notes.)
Notes
- Cook’s Tip: This will serve a crowd as a side or salad, 8 people or so. If you plan to have it as a main meal like lunch or a light dinner, you will likely be able to get 5 servings.
- Cook’s Tips: This butternut squash recipe is relatively simple to prepare, but it does take a few steps. You essentially prepare the roasted butternut squash, while boiling the lentils and quinoa each separately. There are a couple of ways to store it from here:1. If you plan to serve this butternut squash recipe within a day or two of making it, you can roast the butternut squash, and cook and season the lentils and quinoa. You can mix everything as directed and cover and refrigerate for 2 days (maybe even 3.) You can enjoy it at room temperature.2. If you want to prepare this to use for lunch over a longer period of time, then prepare roasted butternut squash, lentils, and quinoa as directed (up to step #8). But do not mix. Instead, store each separately in a tight lid glass container. (Both lentils and quinoa will keep well this way for up to 5 days, unseasoned. Butternut squash will keep 3 to 4 days.) When ready, combine what amount you need of the lentils and quinoa, and toss with a little of the spices listed (to your liking is fine) and season with salt. Then add butternut squash and what portion you need of the remaining ingredients. Finish with splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy at room temperature.
- Recommended for this recipe: from our all-natural and organic spice collections allspice, coriander, paprika, and cumin. SAVE! Try our Ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle or Create your own 6-pack from our spice collections.
- Recommended for this recipe: Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives.) SAVE! Try our Greek EVOO Bundle
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Cuisine: Mediterranean