Harvest Moon Butternut Squash & Wild Rice Delight
This delightful dish brings together the comforting flavors of roasted butternut squash and hearty wild rice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's a wonderful way to utilize leftovers while introducing seasonal ingredients. The creamy texture of the squash complements the nutty, chewy wild rice, while the fresh green beans add a delightful crunch. Infused with aromatic garlic, shallots, and fragrant herbs like thyme and sage, each bite is a celebration of autumn's bounty. Perfect as a main dish for two or a flavorful side for four, this recipe is not only nutritious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baked butternut squash
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
Cooked wild rice
1 1/2 cups (or cooked brown rice pilaf)
Green beans
1/2 lb (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Shallot
1/3 cup (chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Sage
1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your large sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2
Once the oil is warmed, add the trimmed green beans and chopped shallots to the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans begin to brighten in color.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, cubed butternut squash, thyme, and sage. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through until the beans are crisp-tender.
4
Gently fold in the cooked wild rice and cook until heated all the way through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Moon Butternut Squash & Wild Rice Delight?
It is a nutritious dish featuring roasted butternut squash, chewy wild rice, and crisp green beans, seasoned with autumn herbs like thyme and sage.
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute the wild rice with brown rice pilaf if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
How much butternut squash do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of baked butternut squash, cut into cubes.
How should the green beans be prepared before cooking?
The 1/2 lb of green beans should be trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the pan.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh thyme and sage; the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of each.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It serves 2 people as a main dish or 4 people when served as a flavorful side dish.
What aromatic vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish is infused with the flavors of minced garlic and chopped shallots.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
How long should I sauté the green beans and shallots?
Sauté the beans and shallots for about 3 minutes, or until the beans begin to brighten in color.
When do I add the garlic and butternut squash?
Add the minced garlic, cubed butternut squash, and herbs after the initial sauté of the beans and shallots.
How long does the final heating of the wild rice take?
Once the rice is folded in, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes to heat through completely.
What is the suggested heat level for the stove?
A medium heat setting is recommended for the duration of the cooking process.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including wild rice and butternut squash, are naturally gluten-free.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What should the texture of the green beans be?
The green beans should be cooked until they are crisp-tender.
Can I use leftover roasted squash for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a wonderful way to utilize leftover baked or roasted butternut squash.
How much shallot is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of chopped shallots.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, since it uses pre-cooked rice and squash, it is designed to be quick and easy to prepare.
What seasoning is used at the end?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What are the primary flavors of this recipe?
It features a perfect balance of sweet squash, savory herbs, and nutty wild rice.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While it is best served warm, it can also be enjoyed as a cold grain salad if desired.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include butternut squash, wild rice, vegetarian, one dish meal, autumn recipe, and healthy dinner.
How do I garnish the final dish?
You can garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs for extra fragrance and presentation.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, wild rice, butternut squash, and green beans are all excellent sources of dietary fiber.
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash from the store?
Yes, using pre-cut cubed squash can save you preparation time.
What makes this an 'autumn recipe'?
The use of seasonal ingredients like squash and sage reflects the traditional flavors of the fall harvest.
Do I need to cook the wild rice before starting the recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of already cooked wild rice.
What size pan is recommended?
A large sauté pan is recommended to ensure all ingredients have enough room to cook evenly.