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Roasted Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Quinoa with Moroccan Spices Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

This Moroccan-inspired Roasted Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Quinoa is a flavorful, nutrient-packed side dish featuring tender roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a vibrant blend of spices. Enhanced with crunchy pistachios, sweet golden raisins, and fresh herbs, it’s a wholesome and colorful recipe perfect for a healthy meal or gathering.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Spices & Oil

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of ground ginger
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 1 small butternut squash, about 2 pounds, peeled and diced
  • 1 head cauliflower, leaves removed, bottom stem trimmed, sliced lengthwise 1/2-inch thick and broken into pieces
  • 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Grains

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water

Add-ins & Garnishes

  • 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the vegetables at a high heat that encourages browning and caramelization.
  2. Mix Spice Oil: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spiced oil to coat the vegetables.
  3. Toss Vegetables: Place diced butternut squash and cauliflower pieces in a large bowl, pour the spiced oil over them, and toss well to evenly coat each piece with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Roast Vegetables: Spread the coated squash and cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet(s). If needed, use two pans to prevent overcrowding. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through roasting to ensure even browning and tenderness.
  5. Cook Quinoa: While the vegetables roast, combine rinsed quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 11-12 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, chopped pistachios, golden raisins, finely chopped red onions, and chopped parsley.
  7. Mix & Serve: Gently stir all ingredients together to evenly distribute flavors and textures. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious, hearty side dish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure vegetables roast properly and get nicely browned.
  • This dish can be served warm or chilled as a salad.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To make it vegan and gluten-free, ensure your spices are certified gluten-free and use kosher salt as listed.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Moroccan-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free