Delicious Butternut Squash Recipe with Lebanese Spiced Beef
As an Israeli chef, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to add to my repertoire. That’s why I love Middle Eastern cuisine so much. The flavors are bold and complex, and there’s always something new to discover.
And that’s exactly what you’ll get with this recipe for butternut squash with Lebanese spiced ground beef and garlic yogurt sauce. It’s a delicious autumn/winter dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
The combination of the sweet roasted butternut squash with the savory spiced ground beef is simply divine. And the garlic yogurt sauce ties everything together beautifully.
But this isn’t just any old recipe. This is one of the best Lebanese-inspired squash recipes out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a way to spice up your autumn-winter dinner meals? You’ve come to the right place! This Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog Recipe is not only packed with rich middle eastern flavors, but it is also easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
This dish features roasted butternut squash that is perfectly seasoned with baharat, a gorgeous Middle Eastern spice blend that will take your taste buds on a journey. The succulent spiced ground beef complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, adding heartiness to your meal that can only be matched by a bowl of steamy lentil soup or beef kofta.
But what really makes this dish stand out is the garlic yogurt sauce. The cooling yogurt balances out the heat from the spiced beef and lends it a velvety creaminess that perfectly ties the squash and meat together. Plus, with just seven simple ingredients, this sauce recipe is as easy as it gets!
Aside from being deliciously satisfying, this recipe is also highly versatile. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can easily substitute ground lamb or chicken for beef without compromising on flavor. The roasted butternut squash also serves as a beautiful base for other toppings such as spiced chickpeas or even pumpkin. With this recipe, you have all the freedom to customize your meal just the way you like it.
Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your list of go-to recipes or want to impress guests with a deliciously unique meal, this Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog Recipe won’t disappoint. Trust me – once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients necessary to make this delicious autumn winter dish:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons baharat
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Water or chicken stock
- Pinch of pine nuts (optional)
For the garlic yogurt sauce, you will need:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and fresh lemon juice to taste
Garnish with fresh flat-leaf parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s get started on making this tasty dish.
Step 1: Preparing the Butternut Squash
1. Cut the butternut squash into cubes, making sure they are around the same size.
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Place them in a baking sheet and toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
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Roast for 30-35 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
Step 2: Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture
1. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the diced onion and saute until translucent for about 5 minutes.
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Add the ground beef and baharat, then cook for another 7-8 minutes breaking up any lumps with a spoon.
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Remove any excess fat from the skillet and stir in some pine nuts, fresh parsley, and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Step 3: Making Yogurt Sauce
1. Mix together plain yogurt, minced garlic clove, remaining lemon juice, and some chopped parsley in a bowl to make the yogurt sauce.
Step 4: Final Steps
1. Combine roasted butternut squash with Lebanese spiced ground beef in a large bowl or pot and mix gently.
- Serve hot or warm with a dollop of your yogurt sauce.
There you have it! A delicious autumn/winter dish that is full of Middle Eastern flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to change things up, there are tons of ways to customize this delicious Butternut Squash With Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog recipe. Here are a few ideas to try out:
– Vegetarian/Vegan Option: You can easily swap out the ground beef for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils. Instead of the garlic yog sauce, try a vegan tahini sauce or hummus to keep it plant-based.
– Different Spices: Want to switch up the spices? Try using Ras el Hanout instead of baharat or add some smoked paprika for an extra kick. Experiment until you find your perfect balance!
– Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try using ground lamb or turkey for a lighter option. Or, skip the meat altogether and add in some protein-packed chickpeas or tofu.
– Squash Swap: If you don’t have butternut squash on hand, feel free to use another type of squash such as pumpkin, acorn or kabocha squash.
The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavor combinations and experiment with your favorite ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
This Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog recipe is a delicious autumn and winter dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm. The creamy butternut squash, combined with the spiced beef, creates a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
To serve this dish, I recommend placing a generous portion of the butternut squash on a plate and topping it with the Lebanese spiced ground beef. Then drizzle some garlic yog sauce over the top of the beef and butternut squash, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley and pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
For pairing options, adding some hummus or Greek yogurt as a side is a great way to balance out the rich flavors of the butternut squash and beef. Consider serving this dish alongside rice or salad recipes for added variety. Additionally, spiced chickpeas or roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts would complement the flavors in this dish nicely.
This recipe would also pair well with a seasoned lamb or beef lentil soup for an authentic Middle Eastern feast. Whether served alone or as part of a larger meal, this Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog recipe is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog is a fantastic make-ahead recipe that can save you time in the kitchen. If you’re planning to have guests over or if you prefer meal prep throughout the week, this dish is a great option.
When it comes to storing, you can keep it refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or wrap it with foil and put it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes (or until heated through). If your dish looks too dry after reheating, just add a little bit of water or chicken stock on top before heating it again.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe up until Step 6. Instead of baking the squash right away, cover the squash with the beef mixture and refrigerate it until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the refrigerator about an hour beforehand to bring it back to room temperature before baking.
Batch cooking meals can also be helpful when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This recipe is packed with protein and nutrients while low in carbs making it suitable for those aiming for weight loss. Besides pairing Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog on its own, I recommend serving this with a side salad or hummus for added crunch and texture.
Overall, this flavorful Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog is perfect for those who need a break from boring dinners but still want nutritious meals on hand throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog recipe comes out perfectly, here are some tips that I’ve learned through years of experience:
1. Cut the squash evenly: Make sure to cut the butternut squash into equally sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.
2. Use good quality spices: Your dish will only be as good as the ingredients you put in it. Invest in high-quality spices like baharat and cumin to really enhance the flavors of the dish.
3. Brown the ground beef: To bring out the meaty flavor of the ground beef, brown it well before mixing it with other ingredients.
4. Don’t overcook the beef: Keep an eye on your beef while cooking it and avoid overcooking it, as this can make it tough and dry.
5. Let the meat cool before serving: Give your meat mixture a few minutes to rest once it’s done cooking, to allow all those great flavors to come together.
6. Use fresh garlic: While garlic powder is convenient, nothing beats the taste of fresh garlic. Make sure to use freshly minced garlic cloves for the best results.
7. Toast pine nuts for added flavor: Toasting pine nuts will give them a richer, nuttier flavor and crispy texture, adding an extra layer of dimension to your dish.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs: Don’t be shy about garnishing your dish with some fresh flat leaf parsley or other herbs – they will provide a pop of color and a burst of freshness that will make your meal even more delicious.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Butternut Squash with Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Its irresistible aroma and mouth-watering flavors make it a perfect meal for autumn and winter. The combination of the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash and the savory flavor of the spiced ground beef is enhanced by the tangy garlic yog sauce.
Not only is this dish packed with flavor and spices, but it is also easy to make with simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to bring out your inner chef.
So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it. Invite your friends over to indulge in this perfect blend of Middle Eastern cuisine that will leave them wanting more. Remember, with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, plain yogurt, flat leaf parsley, water, pine nuts, baharat, cumin, ground beef, onion, fresh ground black pepper, sea salt, and butternut squash , you can create one of the best Lebanese-inspired dishes out there. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Butternut Squash With Lebanese Spiced Ground Beef and Garlic Yog Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (600 g) butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt, to taste
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion
- 250 g ground beef (I use extra lean and add some canola oil while cooking to make it less dry)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon baharat (Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix)
- 25 g pine nuts
- 1/4 cup water
- 25 g flat leaf parsley
- 175 g plain yogurt
- 1 plump garlic clove
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon unrefined extra virgin olive oil (or the best you have)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 425F/220C/gas mark 7.
- Using a strong, sharp knife, halve the butternut lengthways. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Extend the cavity by cutting out chunks of squash. Don’t be too fussy about this because you want plenty of butternut to remain. Cut a light lattice all over the flesh to speed up cooking.
- Use 1 tbsp olive oil to smear the surface lavishly. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast for 35-45 minutes or until the flesh is meltingly tender. (Check before end of cooking time as hopefully you have a ripe squash but if you don't it takes longer).
- Meanwhile, peel, halve and chop the onion.
- Heat the remaining 1 tbs olive oil in a spacious frying pan and cook the onion for about 10 minutes until limp and uncoloured.
- Finely chop the excavated butternut.
- Add the mince, increase the heat slightly and cook, stirring and breaking up clumps of meat. If using extra lean like I do add some canola oil to keep the meat less dry! It will take about 6 minutes to be browned all over.
- Add chopped butternut squash.
- Stir in the cumin, baharat, sea salt, to taste, freshly ground black pepper, to taste, and pine kernels. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add water, simmer, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook briskly until juicy but not the least bit wet or greasy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Chop the parsley leaves. Stir into the mixture.
- Spoon it into the cavity and over the cooked squash.
- To make the yoghurt, peel, chop and crush the garlic with a generous pinch of sea salt (discard the green central shoot). Beat into the yoghurt with the lemon juice and 1 tbsp of the best olive oil you have.
- Spoon the yoghurt over the butternut and serve. (We do this at the table).
- Enjoy!