As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's no better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with a warm bowl of Autumn Quinoa and Butter Beans. This vibrant dish not only showcases the seasonal bounty of butternut squash and fresh spinach but also packs a nutritional punch with protein-rich quinoa and butter beans. In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty vegetarian meal that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Ready to savor the essence of autumn? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced butternut squash and sauté for 7-8 minutes until edges become golden and slightly caramelized.
- Drain and rinse butter beans, then add them to the skillet with the butternut squash. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Gently stir the beans and squash, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm the beans and blend flavors.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Add the butternut squash and butter bean mixture to the quinoa, then fold in fresh spinach, allowing the residual heat to slightly wilt the leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve warm as a nutritious and hearty autumn-inspired vegetarian dish.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: For fluffy quinoa, make sure to use the right water-to-quinoa ratio. Generally, a 2:1 ratio works well, but feel free to adjust based on your desired texture.
- Sautéing Butternut Squash: To enhance the flavor of your butternut squash, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while sautéing. This will elevate the dish and bring out the warm autumn spices.
- Fresh Spinach: If you prefer a more robust flavor, try substituting spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Customizable Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices! Rosemary, sage, or even a dash of smoked paprika can add unique flavors to your dish.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this dish into a complete meal, consider adding some roasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and protein boost.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This dish is versatile! Serve it warm as a comforting meal or chill it for a refreshing salad option the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
