Quinoa is gluten-free, contains complete protein, essential nutrients, and is naturally high in fiber making it a healthy choice for any meal. It’s mild flavour is perfect for this dish as it doesn’t overpower the mushroom’s subtle flavour.
Total Time: 105 min • Cook time: 75 min • Prep Time: 30 mins
Makes: 4 Servings
Ingredients
• 1 butternut squash, sliced in half
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or canola, divided
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed* – see note below
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced (Shiitake or Cremini for best flavour)
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• fresh basil for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450º F.
2. Cut squashes in half, remove the seeds and place cut side up in a large baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper, add 1/4 inch of water and cover with aluminum foil. Place in oven and bake for around 35-40 minutes, or until tender. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola or olive oil and heat. Toast the quinoa in the oil, stirring frequently with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the quinoa is a light golden color, about six to eight minutes.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to low and let cook for 15 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.
5. In a large pan, heat remaining olive oil and sauté mushrooms and onions on medium heat until softened. Add in the garlic after a few minutes. Cook until onions are translucent. Add to fluffed quinoa and mix gently together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 375º F.
7. Scoop out a little of the squash, leaving about a 1/4 inch of flesh. Fill squash with quinoa and mushroom mixture.
8. Return stuffed squash to oven for 20-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Garnish with basil before serving.
NOTE: Quinoa seeds are coated with saponin, a naturally occurring compound that is very bitter. Use a colander and gently swirl seeds around under running water until thoroughly washed.
