Description
This Butternut Squash and Halloumi Orzo Bake is a delightful combination of sweet squash, salty halloumi, and creamy orzo, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and diced)
- 200 g halloumi cheese (sliced)
- 300 g orzo pasta
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 500 ml vegetable stock
- 200 ml double cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the squash: Toss the diced butternut squash pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast the squash for about 25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo: Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Be careful not to burn the onion.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant. Ensure the garlic does not burn, as it will become bitter.
- Stir the roasted squash, cooked orzo, double cream, thyme, and paprika into the onion-garlic mixture. Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Arrange the slices of halloumi evenly on top of the mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the halloumi is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg