Curried Butternut Squash, Kale and Black Bean Quinoa

Ah, wintertime.  When the seasonal foods include cabbage, onions, potatoes and cauliflower.  Just a tad boring.  Fortunately, kale is also wonderful in the winter, and butternut squash (although more of a fall food) is still looking good.  This vegan dish is very nutritious, and with quinoa and beans, it doesn't rely on meat for it's protein.  





Why It's So Awesome (aka, the nutritional stuff): 
Kale:  Kale is fantastic for you!  According to WebMd.com, "kale is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet."  Kale packs a healthy dose of calcium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A, B6, C and K.  Plus kale contains potassium, iron and phosphorus.  A super-veggie!  If you have never had it, but like spinach, chances are you will like kale, too.  
Butternut squash: Contains fiber, the antioxidant beta-carotene and vitamin A
Quinoa:  A whole grain and a complete source of protein all in one.  Not many foods can advertise that!  

Curried Butternut Squash, Kale and Black Bean Quinoa
Makes 4-6 main dish servings 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 smallish butternut squash, or 1/2 of a large one, peeled and chopped into bit sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped into 1 inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons curry powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon of salt, divided
• 10-12 kale stalks, removed from stem and chopped into bit sized pieces 
• 1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Toss squash and onions in olive oil.  Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 11/2 teaspoon curry powder.  Spread on foil lined baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until onions and squash are soft.   
2. While veggies are baking, rinse and prepare quinoa according to directions.  
3. Next saute kale in remaining olive oil (1 tablespoon) in a large non-stick pan for about 5 minutes.  Add remaining curry powder (1 1/2 teaspoon) and salt (1/2 teaspoon).  When quinoa has finished cooking, stir quinoa, black beans and soy sauce into kale.  
4. Stir squash and onions into kale mixture and enjoy!