Name: Quinoa, chickpeas and squash salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 500g of peeled butternut squash; 5 garlic cloves (unpeeled); 4 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp honey; 4 sprigs of thyme; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 200g quinoa; 500 ml vegetable stock; 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar; ½ can chickpeas drained (200g); 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds; Soft goat cheese or feta cheese (optional)

Quinoa, chickpeas and squash salad

30 Apr 2016

by Dinna

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Background

This quinoa, chickpeas and squash salad is not only delicious but super healthy too. Furthermore it can be served as a main course or a side dish and can be eaten warm or cold.

Ingredients

500g of peeled butternut squash
5 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey
4 sprigs of thyme
1 tsp cumin seeds
200g quinoa
500 ml vegetable stock
1 Tbsp sherry vinegar
½ can chickpeas drained (200g)
2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
Soft goat cheese or feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Peel the squash, remove the seeds, measure out 500g, then cut into 2 cm cubes. Scatter these onto a baking sheet, then drizzle with half the oil, the soy sauce, honey and sprinkle with cumin. Add the garlic cloves and the thyme leaves. Toss well, then roast in the oven for about 35 minutes, turning them once.
Meanwhile, the soak the quinoa grains in cold water. After 20 minutes drain, then cook in the stock for 15 to 20 minutes. When the broth is completely absorbed by the grains, turn off the heat, cover and rest for 5 minutes.
When the squash is cooked, add the drained chickpeas, season with salt and pepper, then put the tray back in the oven to warm through.
Squeeze 2 garlic cloves out of their skin, and mix with the remaining oil and sherry vinegar.
Mix the quinoa with the roasted squash, chickpeas and their cooking juices, then toss with the dressing. Serve with the pumpkin seeds scattered on top and perhaps some crumbled cheese.