Description
A wholesome and flavorful recipe featuring roasted butternut squash paired with spiced ground turkey and fluffy couscous, enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh Swiss chard. This nutritious, easy-to-make meal serves as a hearty main dish perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Spices
- 4 cups butternut squash, diced and peeled
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Ground Turkey Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp canola oil (for sautéing)
- Minced red onion (quantity not specified, estimated 1/2 cup)
- 3 cups Swiss chard, finely chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- Boiling water (quantity to cover couscous, approx. 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
- Prepare and Roast Squash: In a large bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of canola oil, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the squash becomes tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare Couscous: Place the couscous in a bowl and pour boiling water over it, just enough to cover. Cover the bowl and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to absorb the water and fluff up.
- Sauté Ground Turkey and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced red onion and sauté until translucent. Add the ground turkey along with lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the turkey is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Add Swiss Chard and Combine Ingredients: Stir in the finely chopped Swiss chard and cook until it wilts. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the skillet along with the roasted butternut squash. Pour in the lemon juice and gently mix everything together to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Warm the mixture if needed and serve as a hearty main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- Ensure butternut squash is diced into even pieces for uniform roasting.
- You can substitute canola oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- If Swiss chard is unavailable, spinach can be used as a substitute.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Using lean ground turkey helps keep the dish healthy and low in fat.
