Carrot Squash Casserole

Carrot Squash Casserole Recipe - Vegetarian Dish with Oatmeal and Green Peas

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Carrot Squash Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy flavor of carrots. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering.

History

The origins of Carrot Squash Casserole are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into a comforting and hearty dish.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) butternut squash
2 carrots
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
12 oz (340 g) green peas
1 tbsp butter
2 eggs, beaten until frothy
pinch of salt
3-5 tbsp cinnamon sugar (cinnamon sugar is a mixture of sugar and powdered cinnamon)
0.5 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

Boil the squash and carrot together until the carrot is tender. Allow both to cool.
Peel the skin off the carrot. Be careful when removing the seeds and peeling the squash.
Blend the carrots and squash together, being careful not to overblend and preserving some texture.
Add cinnamon sugar and salt to taste. Mix in frothy eggs to the carrot and squash mixture.
Grease an 8-inch loaf pan and coat the grease with oatmeal. Mix in 0.5 cup of oatmeal into a casserole.
Gently fold in green peas, then transfer the mixture to a casserole pan.
Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal on top and dot with butter.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is browned.
Once cooked, the dish can be served immediately or frozen for later consumption.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Substitute sweet potatoes for the butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the carrots and squash until they are tender to ensure a smooth texture in the casserole.

- Do not overblend the carrots and squash, as some texture is desired in the final dish.

- Greasing the pan and coating it with oatmeal helps prevent sticking and adds a crunchy texture to the casserole.

- Adding a pinch of salt and cinnamon sugar enhances the flavors of the vegetables.

- Baking the casserole at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking and a nicely browned top.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Squash Casserole can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or turkey, or as a main dish with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the squash and carrots together until tender.

- Blending the carrots and squash to a smooth texture.

- Baking the casserole in the oven until browned on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash.

- Substitute zucchini for the carrots for a different flavor.

- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Squash Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can also be frozen after baking for future meals.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carrot Squash Casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Carrot Squash Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot Squash Casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Carrot Squash Casserole is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the butternut squash, carrots, oatmeal, and green peas.

Fats

This casserole contains a moderate amount of fats from the butter used for greasing the pan and dotting the top of the casserole.

Proteins

The protein content in Carrot Squash Casserole comes primarily from the eggs used to bind the ingredients together.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the carrots and squash, as well as fiber, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Carrot Squash Casserole is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Carrot Squash Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Carrot Squash Casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her cozy farmhouse. Mary was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day was no exception. As we sat at her kitchen table, enjoying a cup of tea and catching up on the latest gossip, she brought out a steaming dish of Carrot Squash Casserole. The vibrant colors and mouth-watering aroma immediately caught my attention.

I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The creamy texture of the squash combined with the sweetness of the carrots and the hint of spices was a perfect symphony of flavors. I knew I had to get my hands on this recipe. Mary, being the generous soul that she was, happily obliged and shared the recipe with me.

The secret, she said, was in the preparation. She explained how she would carefully peel and chop the carrots and squash, then sauté them in butter until they were tender. She then added a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. The final touch was a sprinkling of breadcrumbs on top, which added a delightful crunch to each bite.

I couldn't wait to try making this dish for my own family. The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped and sautéed, the familiar scents of the vegetables mingling with the spices brought back memories of that sunny day at Mary's farmhouse. When the casserole was finally ready, I couldn't help but smile as I took my first bite. It was just as delicious as I remembered.

From that day on, Carrot Squash Casserole became a staple in my household. Whenever I made it, my family would gather around the table, eager to dig in. It quickly became a favorite, with requests for second helpings becoming a common occurrence. I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe, one that would be passed down through generations.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own little touches here and there. Sometimes I would sprinkle a handful of grated cheese on top for an extra indulgent twist, or maybe a handful of toasted nuts for some added crunch. No matter how I prepared it, the dish always brought smiles to the faces of my loved ones.

As time went on, I started to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I tried adding in some diced ham for a heartier version, or maybe some fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Each new iteration was met with enthusiasm from my family, who never grew tired of this comforting and nourishing dish.

I realized that this simple Carrot Squash Casserole wasn't just a recipe to me – it was a symbol of the love and care I put into every meal I prepared for my family. It was a way for me to show them how much they meant to me, through the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together. It was a tradition that would bind us together, no matter where life took us.

Now, as I sit here writing this, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day at Mary's farmhouse. It was there that I discovered the magic of Carrot Squash Casserole, a recipe that would become a cherished part of my family's culinary legacy. And as I pass down the recipe to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy and warmth to our hearts for years to come.