Lemony Quinoa with Butternut Squash

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
54%
Lemony Quinoa with Butternut Squash
55 min.
4
246kcal

Suggestions


Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our Lemony Quinoa with Butternut Squash! This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing addition to your table. Perfectly suited for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free options, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients that come together in harmony.

Imagine the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash paired with the light, fluffy texture of quinoa, all elevated by the zesty brightness of fresh lemon. Each bite is a burst of flavor, enhanced by the aromatic notes of thyme and garlic. Whether you're looking for a side dish to complement your main course or a light meal on its own, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it also boasts a healthy profile, with a balanced caloric breakdown that makes it a guilt-free indulgence. With just 246 calories per serving, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that fuels your body without weighing you down. Plus, the addition of toasted pine nuts and fresh chives adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Join us in the kitchen and discover how easy it is to create this wholesome, flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

  • cups butternut squash 
  • teaspoon thyme dried
  • teaspoon chives fresh minced
  • cloves garlic minced
  • tablespoons juice of lemon 
  • teaspoon lemon zest grated
  • 0.7 ounce pinenuts lightly toasted
  • cup quinoa 
  • servings salt and pepper freshly ground to taste
  • 0.3 cup shallots chopped
  • 2.5 cups vegetable stock 

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • pot
  • sieve

Directions

  1. Cut the squash in half and scrape out the seeds and strings (using a grapefruit spoon makes this easier). Peel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes and toss with the 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
  2. Place them on a non-stick baking sheet (or silicone mat), sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  3. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it well and allow to drain.
  4. Heat a deep, non-stick pot.
  5. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until shallots soften slightly.
  6. Add the quinoa and toast it until it has dried out and begins to exude a toasty aroma.
  7. Add the squash along with the thyme and vegetable broth. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook, stirring once or twice, until all broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in the lemon peel and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add more lemon juice if needed.
  8. Serve with toasted pine nuts and chives sprinkled on top.

Nutrition Facts

Calories246kcal
Protein12.55%
Fat21.56%
Carbs65.89%

Properties

Glycemic Index
37.5
Glycemic Load
1.73
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
20.646956588911%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.18mg
Hesperetin
0.54mg
Naringenin
0.05mg
Isorhamnetin
0.02mg
Kaempferol
0.03mg
Myricetin
0.05mg
Quercetin
0.08mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:245.57kcal
12.28%
Fat:6.1g
9.39%
Saturated Fat:0.57g
3.57%
Carbohydrates:41.97g
13.99%
Net Carbohydrates:36.71g
13.35%
Sugar:4.28g
4.76%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:788.81mg
34.3%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:7.99g
15.99%
Vitamin A:7782.95IU
155.66%
Manganese:1.56mg
77.85%
Magnesium:124.79mg
31.2%
Folate:105.67µg
26.42%
Phosphorus:260.32mg
26.03%
Vitamin C:19.23mg
23.3%
Fiber:5.26g
21.03%
Vitamin B6:0.41mg
20.6%
Copper:0.39mg
19.62%
Iron:3.26mg
18.09%
Vitamin B1:0.26mg
17.24%
Vitamin E:2.54mg
16.95%
Potassium:584.19mg
16.69%
Zinc:1.86mg
12.38%
Vitamin B2:0.17mg
9.94%
Vitamin B3:1.77mg
8.87%
Vitamin K:8.43µg
8.03%
Calcium:71.24mg
7.12%
Vitamin B5:0.69mg
6.92%
Selenium:4.62µg
6.6%