Serves a Crowd

Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Cinnamon and Mint

January 11, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 8
Author Notes

For a kid-friendly version, eliminate the saffron, cumin, and coriander. Also, a common substitute for the uncommon ingredient of pomegranate molasses is pomegranate juice. If you can't find either, it can be left out. A great substitute in the summer would be substituting uncooked apricots for the butternut squash. —Bibby Gignilliat

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
  • 3/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions
  1. Prepare Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under running water for 2 minutes. (This step is very important or else it will taste bitter). Bring quinoa, stock, spices, saffron, cinnamon, salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, turn down the heat. Cover and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and stir in the pomegranate molasses.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the oil in a very large sauté pan. Add the squash, onions and carrots, and salt. Cook until all vegetables are soft but not soggy, about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly and mix in with the quinoa.
  3. Serve: Just before serving, stir in the scallions and cilantro. Serve at warm or at room temperature.

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1 Review

Debi B. October 29, 2017
I love this recipe! Though it has mint in the name there isn’t any in the ingredients. I just add 1/4 cup chopped mint when I add the cilantro.