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Cholula and Agave Seared Salmon

Butternut Squash Boats with Sausage, Eggplant and Toasted Chick Peas

This versatile recipe allows the eggplant to soak up the flavors of the sausage and tops it all off with a crunch!
2 from 1 vote
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree, lunch
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 butternut squash, cut in half
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 sausages, casings removed
  • 1 13.5 oz can of spinach I try to use organic when possible
  • 1 13.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small eggplant, destemed and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 red onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup 'Biena' chick pea snacks OR 1 cup of homemade toasted chick peas (see notes for how to make)
  • salt/pepper as needed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
  • Cut butternut squash in half. Drizzle olive oil over insides of squash and season with salt/pepper. Place squash face down on foil lined baking sheet and bake in oven for 35 minutes, until a fork easily goes through the inside of the squash.
  • While the squash is cooking, heat a large sauce pan or pot over medium high heat. Toss sausage in and cook until 1/2 done, about 3 minutes.
  • Now toss in chopped eggplant and red onion. Cook until sausage and onions are done, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain your can of spinach and add it to the pot. Cook until extra fluid evaporates, about 3 more minutes.
  • Add pressed garlic to the pot and cook 30 seconds. After the garlic, add your can of crushed tomatoes. Mix to coat and cook another 5 minutes to allow all of the flavors to combine. Season with salt/pepper as needed.
  • When the butternut squash is done, remove from the oven. Using a spoon, spoon out all of the insides of the squash, leaving the skin. Place the flesh into the pot with the sausage and stir to combine. Now fill the butternut squash boats back up with the sausage/squash mixture.
  • Crush your previously toasted chick peas and sprinkle them over the top of each squash. Place squash boats back in the oven and bake another 8 minutes until the chick peas turn light brown. Remove and serve immediately!

Notes

Tips: 
  • To make toasted chick peas: rinse one 15 oz can of chick peas. Drizzle with enough olive oil to coat, and season. Place in 400 degree oven and cook for 25-35 minutes. Make sure to shake the pan a few times to turn the peas for even cooking.
  • If you do not have chick peas to toast, you can try plain granola or pine nuts, just adjust the 'toasting time'.  
Keyword butternut squash, butternut squash boats, canned chick peas, canned spinach, chick peas, crunch, crushed tomatoes, eggplant, filling, hearty, oregano, spinach, squash boats, toasted chick peas
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