Fall Comfort Bowl (Printable Version)
Soft orzo pasta tossed with roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, and crumbled blue cheese for a warm and cozy dish with a slight tang.
# Ingredients:
→ Core Ingredients
01 -
1 cup orzo (whole-wheat or regular)
02 -
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
03 -
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
04 -
2 cups spinach, shredded
05 -
2 1/2 cups of butternut squash, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
06 -
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
07 -
3 tablespoons of olive oil, set aside part
08 -
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
# Steps:
01 -
Set your oven to 425°F and let it warm up. Coat the squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and some black pepper. Spread them in one layer on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes until they soften and caramelize around the edges.
02 -
While waiting for the squash to cook, heat the last tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium-low. Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for roughly 1 minute, just long enough for the aroma to come out without browning it. Turn off the heat and put the pan aside.
03 -
Heat up a pot of salted water until it's boiling. Toss in the orzo and cook based on the directions on the box, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes to get it al dente. Scoop out 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
04 -
Put the drained orzo back into its hot pot. Add the shredded spinach and stir until the heat wilts it slightly. Tip in the roasted squash and pour in the garlic-flavored oil. Give it all a gentle mix.
05 -
Scatter the blue cheese on top and stir until it gets a bit creamy and starts to melt. If the mix feels too dry, pour in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if you want.
06 -
Dish out the warm orzo mixture into bowls and serve right away. Enjoy each bite!
# Notes:
01 -
Not into blue cheese? Swap it with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan.
02 -
The leftovers last well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave gently with a little water or broth when reheating.
03 -
Need more protein? Add roasted chicken or crunchy chickpeas to the mix.
04 -
Want to save a step? Check your grocery store for pre-cut butternut squash.