Butternut Squash and Black bean orzo✨👇
Ingredients:
-Roasted butternut squash
-2 cups butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-Salt and pepper
Other ingredients:
-1 cup uncooked orzo
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-12 oz sausage cooked, such as cajun sausage, andouille sausage, or smoked sausage
15 oz black beans canned, rinsed, drained 5 oz fresh spinach
-fresh thyme
Instructions:
-Roast Butternut Squash
-Preheat the oven to 400 F.
-In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
-Spread the squash on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer, without overcrowding.
-Roast in the preheated oven on the middle rack at 400 F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
-Proceed with the rest of the recipe while you roast the squash.
-Cook pasta
-Combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of orzo in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce to medium or medium-low heat.
-Cook the orzo for about 10 minutes on medium or medium-low heat, with water visibly simmering, stirring frequently to make sure the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
-Add small amounts of water if the cooking water gets absorbed too quickly. Adjust the heat as you go.
-Once the orzo reaches an "al dente" texture, remove the pan from heat, cover it with a lid and let the orzo rest in the residual heat for about 5 minutes, off heat.
-Cook sausage
-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel) on medium heat.
Slice cooked sausage into coins and add to the skillet.
-Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes on one side until nicely browned, then flip over and cook for about 3 minutes on the other side.
-Assembly
-Add spinach to the sausage and cook on medium-low heat until wilted.
-Add rinsed and drained black beans and cooked orzo (drained of any liquid). Mix to combine. Add roasted butternut squash cubes. Stir everything together carefully.
-Season with salt and pepper.
-Top with fresh thyme.
Butternut squash is not only rich in flavor but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, which support immune function. When paired with black beans, this dish gains an abundance of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a heart-healthy option. The combination of roasted squash, savory sausage, and the earthiness of black beans creates a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s versatile too; feel free to swap in other proteins like chicken or tofu for variation. To enhance the dish, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika, which harmonize beautifully with the ingredients. You can also experiment with different greens; kale or Swiss chard could add an interesting twist. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and falls into the trending wholesome food category, aligning with the healthy lifestyle movement of 2024. Serve this dish warm as a comforting dinner or even cold as a nutritious salad. It's versatile and ideal for all seasons, especially during the fall when squash is in abundance. Share your experience and adjustments with us using #Lemon8Diary and #Recipe!
Looks so good 🥰😍