Cumin-Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa with Crispy Sage
Ingredients
- 1 cupquinoa
- 1 medium, about 2 lbsbutternut squash
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 1½ teaspoonground cumin
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
- 2 cupvegetable broth
- 12sage leaves
- 1 mediumyellow onion
- 3 clovegarlic
- ¼ cuptoasted pumpkin seeds
- ½ cupfeta cheese (crumbled)
Prep
- 01
Peel and cut butternut squash into 3/4-inch cubes.
- 02
Dice 1 medium yellow onion.
- 03
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 04
Rinse quinoa under cold water.
Method
- 01
Preheat oven to 425°F. While it heats, cube the butternut squash into 3/4-inch pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
- 02
Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 03
While squash and quinoa cook, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and fry for 1–2 minutes until crispy and fragrant. Transfer to a paper towel and set aside.
- 04
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes over medium heat until softened. Add minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon cumin, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 05
Divide cooked quinoa among bowls. Top with roasted squash and sautéed onion-garlic mixture. Crumble feta over each serving, scatter pumpkin seeds, and top with crispy sage. Drizzle with any pan juices.
Spice Tips
For deeper warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the roasted squash. A pinch of cayenne in the onion mixture brings subtle heat. Fresh lime juice squeezed over the finished bowl brightens everything.
Make-ahead: roast the squash and cook the quinoa up to 2 days ahead; store separately in the fridge and warm gently before serving. The dish is best assembled fresh so the sage stays crispy.