Curried Butternut Squash & Quinoa Stew

This can become a year round staple for it is wholesome and a yummy comfort food. Curry is beneficial for gut-heart-brain health, helps stabilize blood sugar, boost immunity and prevent cancer. It needs black pepper to be more activated.

Curried Butternut Squash & Quinoa Stew

Serves 4-6 | Prep time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 TBSP olive oil
1 yellow or white onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup carrots, chopped
1 TBSP ginger, minced
2 cups mushrooms, chopped
2 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed
1 lb cauliflower florets
1 ½ TBSP curry powder
½ TBSP ground cumin
¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3-4 bay leaves

Optional garnishes: chopped avocados and cilantro leaves, or yogurt and pumpkin or pistachio seeds

Directions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot in ‘SAUTE MODE’. Add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Add the garlic, carrots, ginger and mushrooms and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

2. Add cubes of butternut squash (they can be frozen), cauliflower florets and spices. One can add red chili flakes and/or Sriracha if you want it more spicy.

3. Pour in vegetable stock/broth. Add rinsed quinoa and black beans and turn the Instant Pot off. Give it a good mix. Add the bay leaves.

4. Close the lid and seal. Change the Instant Pot setting to ‘MANUAL OR PRESSURE COOK MODE’ and set it to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure.

5. When high pressure cook is finished, do a ‘Quick Release’.

6. Quinoa will expand during cooking. Feel free to add extra broth to adjust to desired consistency (more broth if you prefer a soup). Remove bay leaves.

Salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Garnish with chopped avocados and cilantro leaves, or yogurt and pumpkin or pistachio seeds.

Tips

• If using a crock pot, cook on low for 6-8 hours.

• Instead of butternut squash, can use pumpkin or other winter squash, or sweet potatoes.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19