Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s
Are you looking for a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall? Look no further than Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nandos. This savory dish combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the spice of various grains for a unique flavor experience. It’s hearty, healthy, and flavorful, perfect for any season. Not only that, but it also contains several nutritional benefits from the vegetables and spices used in the recipe. This article will explore what ingredients make up Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nandos, how it’s made, their nutritional benefits, preparation tips, and serving suggestions. Read on to discover how to add this delightful dish to your next meal.
Overview of Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s
Nando’s is known for its creative and flavorful take on traditional dishes, and its spiced grains and butternut squash dish are no exception. This vegetarian option can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese, making it an excellent choice for diners with dietary restrictions. The savory blend of sautéed vegetables, spiced grains, and creamy butternut squash make this dish both hearty and healthy.
The combination of grains and vegetables provides a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. The spelled and barley offer up a healthy dose of dietary fiber to help keep you feeling full for longer. Meanwhile, the butternut squash contains beta-carotene, which helps to support immune health and provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
To get the most out of this dish, it is essential to properly prepare the ingredients. Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until they are soft before adding garlic, red peppers, and carrots. Once these are cooked through, add the spelled or barley along with vegetable stock to create a flavorful base for the dish. Next, add diced butternut squash which has been roasted in the oven with smoked paprika, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and olive oil until softened. If desired, top off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot over a bed of steamed greens such as kale or spinach for an added nutritional boost!
Those looking to enjoy Nando’s Spiced Grains & Butternut Squash without having to cook it themselves can opt for one of their frozen entrée options, which come complete with all the required ingredients pre-prepared for easy assembly at home.
This flavorful dish accompanies any meal perfectly or can stand alone as a main course when paired with some crusty bread or steamed green vegetables on the side. It is also ideal for packing into lunch boxes when time is short – just remember to include an icepack if possible!
Nutritional Benefits of Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s
This delicious and nutritious dish from Nando’s contains vitamins, minerals, and flavor. The spiced grains provide a nutty and wholesome base, while the butternut squash adds plenty of seasonal sweetness. This spicy-sweet combination creates a vibrant, well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
The spiced grains component comprises quinoa, couscous, and wild rice. Quinoa is an excellent plant-based protein and fiber source, while couscous provides valuable carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout the day. The wild rice adds extra texture to the dish while providing essential B vitamins for immune system support.
Butternut squash is also packed with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. Vitamin A helps keep our eyes healthy by maintaining a clear cornea, while vitamin C supports wound healing and strengthens our immune system. Manganese helps regulate blood sugar levels and maintain bone strength.
To make this tasty meal at home, you only need some olive oil, your favorite herbs and spices (such as garlic powder or chili flakes), and some salt and pepper to taste. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the spiced grains before stirring in the butternut squash cubes until they are lightly cooked (no more than 5 minutes). Once everything has been combined, you can season with your chosen herbs and spices before serving!
Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty lunch or dinner option or served alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein. It also makes a great side dish if paired with leafy green vegetables like kale or spinach for an even healthier meal.
Preparation Tips for Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s
To ensure your spiced grains and butternut squash Nando’s is cooked perfectly, here are some preparation tips to follow.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Next, start preparing the ingredients. Wash and cut the butternut squash into cubes, then place them in a bowl. Add the spices you have chosen – a combination of ground cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt – and mix them with the squash cubes until they are evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, mix together your grains – quinoa, wild rice, farro, or any other grain you like – with broth or water and season with salt and pepper. Spread this mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
Afterward, add the seasoned butternut squash cubes with the grains and bake them all together for another 20 minutes or until both the butternut squash and grains are cooked through. Once finished, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for garnish before serving warm. Enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s
Serving Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s is a great way to add a unique flavor and texture to your meal. You can serve this dish in several different ways, depending on what you have available in your kitchen.
For a quick option, you could simply serve the dish over cooked grains such as quinoa or couscous. This provides a hearty base for the flavors of the Nando’s to shine through. You could add some additional vegetables, such as roasted red peppers, baby tomatoes, and corn cobs, for an extra flavor.
Try making a savory porridge with Nando’s mixture if you want something more substantial. Mix equal parts of cooked grains (such as millet or buckwheat) with the spiced butternut squash mixture to make this delicious porridge. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until all ingredients are combined and creamy. Top off with some fresh herbs, and enjoy.
You could also serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for an extra special dinner entrée. The combination of flavors from the spiced butternut squash will enhance any protein of your choice. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try using Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s as part of an appetizer? Simply fill small puff pastry shells with a generous amount of Nando’s mixture and bake them until golden brown. These tasty bites are sure to be a hit with guests!
No matter how you decide to serve Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s, one thing is sure: it will be delicious. So try this unique dish today and let your taste buds do the talking.
Conclusion
When it comes to a delicious, nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, the Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s dish is a perfect choice. This meal is sure to satisfy any palate and is packed with flavor and great nutritionally beneficial ingredients like quinoa, couscous, olives, and feta cheese.
The combination of grains and squash makes this dish one of the most versatile options available. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, while couscous provides a great source of complex carbohydrates essential for energy production. The butternut squash adds a unique sweetness to the dish while giving beta-carotene that helps protect against cell damage.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, this meal can be prepared in minutes. Simply cook the grains according to package instructions, then toss in cooked butternut squash cubes. Toss in olives and top with crumbled feta cheese for an added zing of flavor before serving.
Spiced Grains and Butternut Squash Nando’s make for a delicious main course or side dish with grilled chicken or fish. For a lighter option, you can enjoy it as-is without any accompaniment. It can also be used as an appetizer when presented on mini toasts topped with crumbled feta cheese or as part of a tapas-style spread at parties and other gatherings.
This flavorful yet simple recipe will indeed become a favorite among family and friends.