In Defence of Butternut Squash (with Recipe)

Butternut-Squash-Enchilada-Casserole_headerThis time of year the pumpkin gets a lot (like, a LOT) of love.

Today, however, I'd like us all to take a minute and remember the rest of the squash family.

From spaghetti to acorn, koboacha to butternut, squash packs a serious nutritional punch: high in vitamin C and fibre, low on the glycemic index and even featuring some key antioxidants, squash is one of the best veggies to add to your fall and winter routine.

Plus, it's delicious. Roasted squash can act as a hearty, grounding base for just about any meal, and is great to replace more processed starches like pasta.

This AMAZING casserole from Making Thyme for Health includes both butternut squash and tortillas, but, after making it this weekend, I'd say you could definitely lose the tortilla and none of the tastiness.

 

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled and diced (approx. 2 and 1/2 lbs)
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 poblano or green bell pepper, cored and sliced
  • 2 jalapenos, cored and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons high heat oil (such as coconut oil)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • sprinkle of salt & pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) can organic black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves 
  • 2 cups salsa or enchilada sauce
  • 8 small or 6 large corn tortillas; cut into quarters
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Place the diced butternut squash, sliced onion, jalapeno and poblano pepper in a 9 x 13” baking dish and toss with high heat oil. Sprinkle with cumin, salt & pepper (to taste) then mix until evenly distributed. Roast vegetables in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the squash is tender. Remove from oven then lower temperature to 350°F.

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large bowl along with 1 cup salsa, drained and rinsed black beans and chopped cilantro. Using the same baking dish that you roasted the veggies in, prepare the casserole by spreading a thin layer of the salsa along the bottom, then cover with a layer of tortillas. Top the tortillas with 1/3 of the roasted vegetable mixture then 1/2 cup cheese.

Layer tortillas on top of the vegetables followed by the 1 cup of baby spinach leaves. Top with a thin layer of the salsa and another 1/3 of the roasted vegetables then 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
Lastly, add the last of the tortillas, a thin layer of salsa and the last 1/3 of the vegetables on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until light golden brown on top.

Allow it to cool for at least five to ten minutes then cut into squares and serve. Garnish with avocado, cilantro or plain Greek yogurt.

Blog, Nutrition, RecipesDoctor Marita