Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This roasted stuffed butternut squash is the perfect blend of hearty, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible. Imagine cutting into a golden, caramelized squash revealing a vibrant, protein-packed quinoa and black bean filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking for a show-stopping vegetarian main course, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 butternut squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice butternut squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Create a slight hollow in the center for stuffing.
- Brush the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
- While squash is roasting, prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, drained black beans, diced red bell pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Generously fill each squash half with the quinoa-bean mixture.
- Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until filling is heated through.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose squashes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking
- Don't skip the olive oil brushing - it helps create a beautiful caramelization
- Make sure to fluff the quinoa with a fork to prevent clumping
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the filling
- If you want a crunchier texture, toast the quinoa lightly before mixing with other ingredients
- Let the squash rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help it hold its shape when serving
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs or add some crumbled feta for extra richness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
