Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo

The Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo with Maple Glaze is a comforting meal. We made  this dish with butternut squash, olive oil, maple syrup, seasoning, orzo pasta, olive oil, garlic, vegetable broth, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, herbs, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. This orzo has ten grams of protein and 390 calories in each serving. Prepare this dish in just fifty minutes and  serve warm. Store this Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo with Maple Glaze for four days in the refrigerator. You may serve it with vegan garlic bread, balsamic roasted carrots, lemon herb cauliflower, grilled tempeh, carrot ginger soup, crispy baked tofu, or iced green tea.

STATS:

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Serving Size: 1½ cups
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Diet: Vegan
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American

INGREDIENTS:

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

• Half tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups peeled butternut squash
• Half tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Half tsp dried thyme
• 1½ tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Quarter tsp black pepper

ORZO:

• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• One tbsp olive oil
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• Half cup baby spinach
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• Half cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

MAPLE GLAZE:

• One tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

INGREDIENT NOTES:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

• It lends a soft texture and a naturally sweet taste to the meal. The squash’s gentle flavor goes perfectly with garlic, herbs, and maple syrup. Sweet potato can be used based on your preference.

OLIVE OIL:

• This oil roasts the squash evenly and prevents it from drying out. It also boosts the flavor of the seasoning and creates a golden surface. Avocado oil works well as a substitute.

MAPLE SYRUP:

• Add this syrup for a mild sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the squash nicely. It helps the squash caramelize during roasting. Use agave syrup if maple syrup isn’t available.

ORZO PASTA:

• It cooks fast and soaks up the flavor of the vegetable broth. Orzo pasta provides a comforting base for the roasted squash and makes the dish satisfying. You can replace it with small shells.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, warm the oven to 200°C and cover the tray with baking paper.
2. Make cubes of the butternut squash and toss them with olive oil, maple syrup, and seasoning in the bowl.
3. Spread a single layer of seasoned squash on the tray and roast for 35 minutes.
4. Warm one tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium flame and cook the garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Toast the dry orzo in the skillet for two minutes and pour the vegetable broth in it.
6. Cook the orzo for 12 minutes, stirring frequently, then reduce the flame to low.
7. Stir in the vegan Parmesan, lemon zest, baby spinach, and lemon juice, then cook the ingredients for two minutes.
8. Mix maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in the small bowl, then turn off the flame.
9. Fold most of the squash into the orzo and include it in the dish.
10. Lastly, add reserved roasted squash, maple syrup, and parsley on top, then serve warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

SALADS:

• Apple Walnut Salad
• Roasted Beetroot Salad
• Kale and Cranberry Salad

BREAD AND BAKERY:

• Vegan Garlic Bread
• Vegan Focaccia Bread
• Sourdough Bread
• Vegan Herb Flatbread

ROASTED VEGETABLES:

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli
• Lemon Herb Cauliflower
• Roasted Green Beans

PROTEIN:

• Crispy Baked Tofu
• Lemon Herb Chickpeas
• Grilled Tempeh

SOUPS:

• Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
• Carrot Ginger Soup
• Vegan Mushroom Soup
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup

DRINKS:

• Fresh Lemon Water
• Iced Green Tea
• Sparkling Lime Water
• Homemade Mint Lemonade

TIPS:

• Cut the squash into equal-sized cubes so they roast evenly at the same rate.
• Don’t overcrowd the tray, and arrange the butternut squash in a single layer.
• Drizzle the maple syrup over the dish just before serving to keep the flavor fresh.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Cool the orzo and store it in a closed box for 4 days.

FREEZER:

• Add the orzo to the container and freeze for two months.

FAQs:

Would frozen butternut squash work well in this recipe?

• Yes, you can add it once it has been properly thawed and dried for better results.

Could maple syrup be omitted from this dish?

• Yes, if you prefer less sweetness, you can leave maple syrup out of both the glaze and the squash seasoning.

What can I do to make this orzo creamier?

• You can add a small amount of warm vegetable broth and stir it well while cooking until it reaches the consistency you want.

What is a good substitute for butternut squash?

• Sweet potatoes, carrots, or acorn squash all work well as alternatives.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 390 kcal

Net Carbs: 62 g

Iron: 3.0 mg

Total Carbs: 67 g

Vitamin A: 15,000 IU

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 100 mg

Protein:10 g

Sodium: 650 mg

Potassium: 650 mg