Roasted Acorn Squash with Lemon Quinoa, Crispy White Beans, and Warm Spinach Chimichurri

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

   Place the acorn squash halves cut side up on the sheet. Rub them with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the smoked paprika. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes at 425°F / 220°C, until tender and browned around the edges.

3. 3

   While the squash roasts, place the quinoa in a saucepan with the water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, 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 and mix in the lemon zest and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice.

4. 4

   Pat the white beans very dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Toss them with 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 ml) olive oil, the grated garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking tray or on an open section of the squash tray and roast at 425°F / 220°C for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp.

5. 5

   For the warm sauce, heat 2 1/2 tablespoons (38 ml) olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds more. Add the spinach, parsley, red wine vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the spinach softens slightly while keeping its color.

6. 6

   Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Remove from the heat.

7. 7

   To serve, spoon some quinoa into each roasted squash half or spread it on the plate as a base. Add the crispy white beans, spoon the warm spinach chimichurri over the top, and finish with the toasted pumpkin seeds.

8. 8

   Serve hot. If desired, add an extra pinch of salt and a few extra drops of lemon juice just before serving.