Perfectly Balanced: A Simple Meal for a Busy Evening

Looking for an effortless yet delicious dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? This balanced meal is perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and nutritious without sacrificing taste! The keyword for this recipe is "evening meal." Let's dive into how to prepare this satisfying dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (approximately four medium) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup quinoa (preferably red or black)
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together in a large pot. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the quinoa and squash are tender.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to enhance flavor without burning it.
4. Transfer this mixture into a bowl; set aside as it will be used later to season your meal.
5. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In the same skillet, add olive oil if necessary. Spread out the rinsed quinoa evenly and toast for about 2-3 minutes until it's slightly golden brown in color - this step adds flavor but is not essential; you can skip it if desired.
6. Transfer the toasted quinoa to a large pot along with water (or chicken broth) according to package instructions. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until all liquid has been absorbed by the grains – approximately 15 minutes for cooked quinoa.
7. While waiting for the quinoa to finish cooking, place diced butternut squash into another pan with some olive oil. Roast in oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender - about 30-40 minutes depending on size of pieces; check every 15 minutes so they don’t burn.
8. Add cooked chicken breasts to the bowl containing sautéed onions and garlic, mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices such as cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
9. Once quinoa is ready, stir in roasted butternut squash and heated up sautéed mixture from chicken into the pot of cooked quinoa. Stir thoroughly until everything combines evenly.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro if preferred; serve hot!

Tips & Variations:

<

p>Feel free to adjust this recipe based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions:

• You can use other meats like turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Switch out the type of squash used; kabocha pumpkin works wonderfully too!
• Add various vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and variety.

Nutritional Information:

This balanced evening meal provides protein from the chicken, fiber and complex carbohydrates from the quinoa and butternut squash, vitamins A & C from the vegetables. It’s a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying their favorite foods.