Are you ready to transform your autumn dining experience with a dish that screams seasonal comfort and nutrition? This Fall Inspired Quinoa Casserole is not just a meal—it's a warm hug on a plate that combines the earthy richness of butternut squash, the nutrient-packed power of quinoa, and the hearty crunch of walnuts. Perfect for chilly evenings and health-conscious food lovers, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner routine and leave your family begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. This helps ensure a cleaner, more pleasant taste.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the butternut squash by peeling and cutting into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Chop kale into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems. Roughly chop walnuts to add texture to the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cubed butternut squash, chopped kale, and walnuts. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture and gently fold to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until squash is tender and top is lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional fresh thyme or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for extra crunch.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant taste.
- Cut butternut squash into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Remove tough kale stems to prevent any unwanted chewy bits in your casserole.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to add extra depth of flavor to your quinoa.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking—it helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
- For added richness, consider toasting your walnuts before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with additional seasonal herbs like rosemary or sage to customize your casserole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
