Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew

Soup season is here, and we just love it! If there is one dish that I can serve consistently throughout the year, and that is my family-favorite – Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew!

Whatever the weather be, warm stews and soups are always greeted well at my house.

My family loves stew, and it surfaces pretty regularly on my weekly meal planner. And this stew perfectly falls into a comfort food category that’s substantial enough to make a meal in itself.  

Are you wondering whether it is a soup or a stew? So let me clarify that first.

It’s Stew!

SOUPS AND STEWS ARE DIFFERENT!

Soup and stew are both made with a blend of vegetables and protein. Though they are very identical yet, they are different. 

The volume of the liquid designates whether a meal is a soup or a stew.

1. Consistency wise, soups have more liquid and are liquidy. In contrast, stews have a thicker gravy and are crowded with chunky vegetables and protein. 

2. A handful of modest ingredients can make a yummy soup, but a hearty stew uses a lot of condiments and seasonings.

3. A simple soup can come together in minutes, but a protein-rich stew requires an extended cooking period (depends on ingredients too). 

What makes this Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew so good for you?

The ingredients! This stew has pretty much all of my favorite ingredients –

• soft butternut squash,
• healthy black beans,
• protein-rich quinoa, and
• vitamin-rich carrots.

Quinoa + butternut squash is a perfect-stew-combination just like – peanut butter and jelly. 

On one end, where quinoa makes the stew filling, chunky pieces of butternut squash impart a rich and creamy texture. 

And not to mention, carrots and black beans together adds some real element to this stew that makes it a wholesome meal.

Collectively, this stew is a well-rounded meal that is bursting with fantastic flavors!

How to make Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew?

Step :1- Peeling the squash

Clean butternut squash with a wet towel to remove dirt or grits. Poke holes in the squash. Microwave on HIGH for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving it will soften the skin and make it easy to peel.

After the cooking time is over, carefully remove the squash from the microwave. Lay the butternut squash on a chopping board. Allow it to cool. Once the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, peel the outer layer with a sharp peeler.

Slice the top and end off. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh attached to the seeds. Cut the butternut squash into cubes and set it aside. 

Step:2- Cooking the Stew in Instant Pot

1. Heat the Instant Pot in ‘SAUTE MODE’. Add olive oil. When it gets hot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Saute for 1-2 minutes.

2. Add cubes of butternut squash.

3. Now add chopped tomatoes, sriracha, and spices. Feel free to adjust the spice level. This stew is moderately spicy but not overly.

4. Pour in vegetable stock/water. Give it a good mix.

Recipe Tips to make the best Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew

» Don’t have a liking for butternut squash, no worries. Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes, pumpkin, any other seasonal squash.

» Likewise, feel free to swap black beans with chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans.

» Feel free to experiment with flavors – by adding any spices or herbs you like. Dried rosemary at the end makes a great addition. 

» This is a perfect make-ahead recipe. You can make this stew in advance and freeze it for future meals. To freeze, allow the stew to cool comfortably. Then transfer it to portion-sized containers or freezer bags and store them away. 

» Leftover Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

» This recipe, as written, serves four. If you plan to accommodate a large gathering, you might have to scale the recipe up or down to suit your preferences. 

Can I make this Instant Pot Quinoa Stew on the stovetop?

Absolutely! This Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew is super simple to make on the stovetop. Follow all the directions up to step 3. 

Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan, and cook the squash for 15- 20 minutes or until tender. Cooking time may vary depending on how big the squash cubes are.

While the squash is cooking, boil quinoa as per package instructions. Once the squash is soft and tender, add boiled quinoa to the stew. Mix until combined. 

Adjust the consistency of the stew to your liking. Allow the stew to simmer for a couple of minutes on the lowest setting. 

Garnish with chopped avocados and cilantro leaves and serve. 

Do you have a family-favorite dish on your menu? Please share in the comments below. I would love to read all about it. 

Should you make this Instant Pot Butternut Squash And Quinoa Stew, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below.

And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

Craving for more, be sure to try out my other Instant Pot recipes!