A halved butternut squash filled with a colorful mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and corn, garnished with chopped cilantro and coconut flakes. The glowing orange of the butternut squash contrasts brilliantly with the filling and the dark char on top.

Autumnal Butternut Squash Beijinho

Name: Autumnal Butternut Squash Beijinho
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 large Butternut Squash, 1 large halved and seeded; 2 Bell Peppers (red and yellow), 2 diced; 1 large Onion, 1 large chopped; 2 cups of Corn, 2 cups fresh or frozen; 2 cloves Garlic, 2 cloves minced; Paprika, 1 teaspoon; Cumin, 1 teaspoon; Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon; Salt and Pepper, to taste; Fresh Cilantro, for garnish; Dessicated Coconut, for garnish

Category Main Course

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 60 minutes

Style Brazilian

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: October 25, 2023

Experience an autumn inspired, gluten-free twist on a classic Brazilian dish. The star of this recipe is the vibrant butternut squash, stuffed with a delicious filling of corn, bell peppers, onions, and spices, bursting with bright colors and flavors that will transport your taste buds to Brazil.

Ingredients (for 4)

1 large butternut squash - 1 large - halved and seeded
2 bell peppers (red and yellow) - 2 - diced
1 large onion - 1 large - chopped
2 cups of corn - 2 cups - fresh or frozen
2 cloves garlic - 2 cloves - minced
Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Cumin - 1 teaspoon
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper - to taste
Fresh cilantro - - for garnish
Dessicated coconut - - for garnish

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🥣🎃

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the butternut squash and place them with the cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Step 2 - 🍳🧅🌽

Heat the olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and corn until the onions become translucent.
Step 3 - 🧂🌶️🍲

Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Keep cooking for another minute.
Step 4 - 🍴🎃🕳️

After the squash is cooked and cooled, scoop some from the center of each piece to allow space for the filling.
Step 5 - 🍲💖🥣

Divide the sautéed vegetables among the squash halves. Place them back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 6 - 🍽️🥥🌿

Top each stuffed squash with fresh cilantro and dessicated coconut flakes right before serving.

Additional

This isn't your usual traditional Brazilian dish, but Beijinho de Coco (Little Coconut Kiss) is a famous Brazilian dessert with which it shares a reference for coconut. As for variations, try adding different roasted vegetables like zucchini or peas to the mix. You can even add cooked ground meat of choice for a non-vegetarian option. Little chefs in the house can help by mixing the filling or garnishing the dish.