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Local Food Journey

Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

Posted by Emily Wiley on 12/15 at 12:59 PM

Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo. Photo Credit Emily Wiley.

December dinners tends to be hearty and heavy, and sometimes we need a break from weighty winter food. Enter roasted butternut squash orzo with wilted spinach and dried cranberries.

We eat a lot of butternut squash during this time of year — in stews, in gratins, and roasted with maple and sage. It’s sweet and nutty and is a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

This particular dish can be eaten hot or cold, alongside chicken or pork or on its own.

It’s creamy and flavorful festive. So if you’re looking to add a lighter dish to your holiday menu, give this one a try!

What do you eat when you need a break from standard winter fare?

Ingredients

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups water
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries
drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (or use a stone casserole dish). Place butternut squash cubes, red onion slices, and garlic cloves on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and gently toss. Place in the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes, stirring halfway through, until squash is tender.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta. Bring water to a boil and stir in orzo. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender. Drain orzo and put into a medium bowl.

Chop roasted garlic and red onions. Add roasted butternut squash, garlic, and onions to orzo. Stir in spinach and dried cranberries. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir once more. Serve warm or at room temperature.

(adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod)