Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering. This casserole is packed with flavor from the butternut squash, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices, all topped off with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole can be traced back to traditional Chilean cuisine, where butternut squash is a popular ingredient in many dishes. This casserole is a modern twist on classic Chilean flavors, combining the sweetness of the squash with the savory and spicy flavors of the onions, garlic, and peppers. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations and is a beloved comfort food in Chilean households.

Ingredients

2 large butternut squash
1 cup chopped onions
2 - 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 - 2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp of chili powder
1 - 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
1 cup of coarsely chopped red bell peppers
1 cup of coarsely chopped green bell peppers
1 tsp of salt
4 beaten eggs
2 cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Bake the squash with the cut sides down at 425°F (218°C) for 45 – 50 minutes, or until it becomes very soft at the thick end.
Allow the squash to cool, then scrape out the flesh from the shell and mash it as smoothly as possible.
Meanwhile, sauté the onion, garlic, and spices in olive oil until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the peppers and salt, stir well, cover, and let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Stir the beaten eggs into the mashed squash.
Add the corn, sautéed veggies, and grated Cheddar cheese; mix well.
Cover the mixture and bake it for 20 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 – 30 minutes.
Note: The cook time does not include the time required for baking the squash, which can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.

Variations

You can add cooked ground beef or turkey to the casserole for added protein.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to bake the butternut squash until it is very soft, as this will make it easier to mash and incorporate into the casserole.

- You can prepare the squash ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the casserole.

- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like your food.

- Make sure to cover the casserole while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It is also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include baking the butternut squash until soft, sautéing the onions and peppers until tender, and baking the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have butternut squash, you can use pumpkin or sweet potatoes as a substitute.

- You can use any type of bell peppers in this recipe, such as yellow or orange peppers.

- Feel free to use any type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the butternut squash and sautéed vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to assemble the casserole. You can also assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole in a large baking dish or individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. It also goes well with a glass of Chilean red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option.

Summary

Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Packed with flavor from the butternut squash, onions, peppers, and cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. With a few simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and soul. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was browsing through a quaint little bookstore in the heart of Santiago, Chile. As I perused the shelves, my eyes fell upon a dusty old cookbook tucked away in a corner. The title, "Flavors of Chile," beckoned to me, and I knew I had to bring it home with me.

As I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, I was transported to a world of vibrant colors and bold flavors. The recipes were a fusion of indigenous Mapuche ingredients and Spanish influences, creating a culinary tradition unlike any I had ever experienced. And there it was, nestled among the pages - the recipe for Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole.

I knew I had to try it out for myself, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The butternut squash was roasted to perfection, its sweet flesh caramelizing in the oven. The onions and garlic sizzled in the pan, their pungent aroma filling the room. And then came the spices - cumin, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon - adding depth and complexity to the dish.

As I assembled the casserole, layering the squash with creamy ricotta cheese and tangy salsa verde, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all. The colors of the ingredients melded together in a symphony of orange, green, and white, creating a visual feast for the eyes.

Finally, the casserole was ready to be baked. I placed it in the oven and watched as the cheese melted and bubbled, the flavors mingling and melding together. When it emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had created something truly special.

I served the casserole to my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite. The sweetness of the butternut squash paired perfectly with the tangy salsa verde, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. They couldn't get enough, going back for seconds and thirds until there was nothing left but an empty casserole dish.

From that moment on, Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole became a staple in our household. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and it never failed to impress. The recipe became a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of that fateful day in Santiago when I discovered a taste of Chilean cuisine.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole to a new generation. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that bookstore in Santiago, where I first laid eyes on the recipe that would become a beloved favorite.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing to make Chilean Butternut Squash Casserole once again, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought this dish into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to far-off places and cultures, and a testament to the joy of discovery in the kitchen.