Tex-Mex Spiralized Butternut Squash with Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas
Try this Tex-Mex Spiralized Butternut Squash with Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas recipe
Try this Tex-Mex Spiralized Butternut Squash with Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas recipe
- 1 garlic clove minced
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- for the dressing:
- for the corn:
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup diced white onion
- water to thin
- for the chickpeas:
- for the butternut squash:
- 1 large butternut squash peeled, blade c, noodles trimmed
- 1 ripe avocado peeled and pitted
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped + 1.5 teaspoons sauce
- 1 large ear of corn or 2 small ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- for the pepper mixture:
- Carbohydrate 2.23078555262259 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.05102630447872 g
- Fiber 0.87466309954467 g
- Protein 0.465359337268572 g
- Saturated Fat 0.708658100175477 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (37g)
- Sodium 95.86676894569 mg
- Sugar 1.35612245307792 g
- Trans Fat 0.165533999507923 g
- Calories 53 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the chickpeas in a medium bowl along with the olive oil, chipotle pepper, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
- On one baking sheet, lay out the seasoned chickpeas. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through.
- After 15 minutes of roasting the chickpeas, on the other baking sheet, lay out the butternut squash noodles. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast for 10-15 minutes or until al dente.
- While chickpeas cook, place the corn in a medium pot and cover with water and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain into a colander and shave the kernels off with a knife and set aside.
- Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan heats, add the bell peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the corn and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for another minute, stirring. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients for the dressing and pulse until creamy. Taste and adjust, if necessary. Set aside.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the butternut squash noodles into four bowls and top each with equal amounts of chickpeas, pepper mixture, corn, and top with a dollop of the avocado dressing.
A Weeknight Winner: Tex-Mex Spiralized Butternut Squash
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Tex-Mex Spiralized Butternut Squash with Crispy Chipotle Chickpeas recipe is a perfect example. It's vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, even on a weeknight. The spiralized butternut squash adds a delightful sweetness and satisfying texture, while the crispy chipotle chickpeas provide a smoky, spicy kick that balances perfectly with the fresh corn and bell peppers.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more or less chipotle pepper depending on how much heat you like. I also love how adaptable it is to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the corn for black beans, or add some chopped zucchini or red onion for extra flavor and nutrients. The avocado dressing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. It’s become a staple in my meal rotation because it requires minimal prep time and satisfies my family's craving for something both healthy and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. The spiralizer makes quick work of the butternut squash, and the chickpeas roast alongside the squash, saving time and effort.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein, this meal is a great way to fuel your body with good-for-you ingredients. Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, while chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of sweet butternut squash, smoky chipotle chickpeas, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying meal. The avocado dressing adds a creamy texture and complements the other flavors beautifully.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or even protein sources.
Tips and Variations
Make it Ahead: The chickpeas and butternut squash can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado dressing can also be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. This makes for a super speedy meal prep on a busy weeknight.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a spicier dish, add more chipotle pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Add Some Greens: To make this a complete meal, add a handful of spinach or kale to the pepper mixture while it’s cooking.
Boost the Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Different Squash: Feel free to experiment with other types of squash, such as spaghetti squash or kabocha squash.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or a simple green salad. It's a great meal prep option, perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a cost-effective and time-saving choice.
More than just a meal, it's a moment
In the midst of the whirlwind that is modern life, simple pleasures and nourishing meals offer a sense of grounding. This recipe is more than just a healthy dinner option; it's a chance to pause, to savor the process of cooking, and to enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal with loved ones. The aroma of roasting spices, the satisfying crunch of the chickpeas, the vibrant colors of the vegetables—these sensory details transform a simple weeknight dinner into a mindful moment. It’s a small act of self-care, a way to nurture both our bodies and our souls amidst the demands of everyday life. Take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results.
I encourage you to try this recipe, to adapt it to your own tastes, and to share it with your loved ones. It's a recipe that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, providing a simple yet satisfying experience in a world that often feels overwhelmingly complicated.
