Sure, here’s a delicious recipe for Loaded Butternut Squash Boats:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place the squash halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the insides of the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, corn kernels, ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the squash halves are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Fill each squash half with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of each squash boat.
- Return the filled squash boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with lime wedges and your choice of toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or salsa.
Enjoy your delicious Loaded Butternut Squash Boats!
