Caramelized Shallots and Butternut Squash and Rice – Recipe!

Caramelized Shallots and Butternut Squash Rice is a delicious side dish that’s super simple to put together and so seasonally fun to enjoy during the week or at holiday time.

This side dish is loaded with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and shallots and when combined with Basmati rice — it’s has exceptional flavor.  The preparation is simple and it begins by caramelizing shallots before adding winter squash and long grain rice to the saucepan.

The rice is done within 30 minutes and then fluffed with a fork before serving.  I squeezed lime over top to give it a tangy fresh taste and a slight contrast to the sweet vegetables flecked throughout the earthy rice.  It’s also gluten-free.

Ingredients

1 shallot, sliced

1 1/2 cups butternut, diced

1 cup basmati rice

2 cups chicken broth

3 sprigs thyme

olive oil for cooking

(Serves 4)

To Prepare:

1. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a saucepan and place over medium heat.  Add shallots and stir.
2. Continue to cook until the shallots are slightly caramelized and add butternut squash, stir to combine.
3. Add rice and stir.  Cook for 1 minute to toast.  Add broth and thyme sprigs, stir and cover with lid.
4. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 30-35 minutes.  Remove lid and remove thyme.
5. Fluff with fork and serve.  Squeeze lime over top and Enjoy!