Roasted Squash with Citrusy Quinoa, Crispy Black Beans, and Avocado Cream
🌎 Latin American Food
Intermediate

Roasted Squash with Citrusy Quinoa, Crispy Black Beans, and Avocado Cream

An original and colorful Latin American dish featuring gently spiced roasted squash, lime-cilantro quinoa, oven-crisped black beans, and a fresh avocado cream. It is a vibrant, satisfying complete meal for lunch or dinner.

25 minPrep
35 minCook
60 minTotal
4Servings
VegetarianGluten-Free

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g butternut squash, cubed (3/4-inch cubes)
  • 180 g uncooked quinoa (enjuagada)
  • 400 g cooked black beans, drained (well dry)
  • 200 g ripe avocado (boneless ni peel)
  • 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
  • 100 g red onion (finely chopped, divided)
  • 120 g red bell pepper (en cubitos small)
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 9 g garlic (chopped, divided)
  • 60 ml lime (juice fresh, divided)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g ground cumin
  • 4 g smoked paprika
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 2 g chili powder
  • 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 30 g pumpkin seeds (tostadas)
  • 480 ml water (for cocer the quinoa)

Nutrition facts

per serving

457 kcal
Calories
15.2 g
Protein
54.8 g
Carbs
21.4 g
Fat
13.1 g
Fiber
41.7 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, toss the squash with 1 1/2 tbsp / 22 ml olive oil, 1 tsp / 2.7 g cumin, 1 tsp / 2.7 g smoked paprika, the oregano, 1/2 tsp / 3 g salt, and 1/4 tsp / 1 g black pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on half of the sheet pan.

  3. 3

    In the same bowl, toss the black beans with 1/2 tbsp / 7 ml olive oil, 1/2 tsp / 1.3 g cumin, 1/2 tsp / 1.3 g smoked paprika, the chili powder, 1/4 tsp / 1.5 g salt, and 1 minced garlic clove. Place the beans on the other half of the sheet pan.

  4. 4

    Roast for 25 to 30 minutes at 425°F / 220°C, stirring the squash and beans halfway through, until the squash is tender and browned on the edges and the beans are lightly crisp.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, place the quinoa in a saucepan with the water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

  6. 6

    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tbsp / 7 ml olive oil and sauté half of the red onion, the red bell pepper, and 1 garlic clove for 4 to 5 minutes, until fragrant and just tender. Fold this mixture into the quinoa along with 2 tbsp / 30 ml lime juice, half of the cilantro, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.

  7. 7

    For the cream, blend or mash the avocado with the Greek yogurt, the remaining lime juice, 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp / 30 ml water if needed to loosen, 1/4 tsp / 1.5 g salt, and a little black pepper until smooth.

  8. 8

    To serve, divide the quinoa among plates or bowls. Top with the roasted squash and crispy black beans. Add spoonfuls of avocado cream.

  9. 9

    Finish with the remaining red onion, the rest of the cilantro, and the toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately.

Chef tips

Dry the beans very well before roasting so they crisp up better. For extra brightness and flavor, add a little lime zest to the quinoa just before serving.

Substitutions

You can substitute butternut squash with sweet potato or kabocha squash. Greek yogurt can be replaced with unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. If you do not have pumpkin seeds, use toasted sunflower seeds.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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