Autumnal Glow Bowl Butternut Squash Mapletahini

Autumnal Glow Bowl My Seasonal SelfCare Recipe

By Jamie ElridgeSeptember 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Autumnal Glow Bowl

Ever feel that nip in the air and crave something warm and comforting? Me too! This Autumnal Glow Bowl is my answer to that.

It's all about that perfect blend of sweet and savoury, crunchy and soft. Honestly, you're going to love this one!

A Bowl of Sunshine

This isn't just any bowl; it is seasonal self care you can taste! It is packed with roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale, and fluffy quinoa.

Then, it's drizzled with a creamy maple tahini dressing . The Autumnal Glow Bowl is total comfort food but also super good for you.

From Harvest to Your Heart

Quinoa bowls are everywhere, but this one is special. This vibrant dish celebrates the flavors of the fall harvest . It brings together delicious ingredients.

It is a breeze to whip up, and takes less than an hour. You'll get 4 servings from this recipe.

Feel Good Food

This dish is packed with nutrients and makes you feel great. It's a great way to enjoy healthy fall recipes .

The beta carotene in butternut squash is amazing for your skin. This bowl is perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch.

I love making it on Sundays for meal prep during the week. This is a dish that truly captures the essence of cozy autumn meals .

Ready to dive in? Here's what you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment: Autumnal Glow Time!

Honestly, prepping is half the battle, right? This Autumnal Glow Bowl is easier than you think. Let’s gather our bits and bobs. This is key for seasonal self care .

Main Players: Produce Power!

Butternut Squash: 1 medium (approx. 2 lbs / 900g ), peeled, seeded, and cubed. Look for firm squash with a deep orange color.
Kale: 1 bunch (approx. 8 oz / 225g ), stems removed, chopped. Opt for vibrant green leaves, avoiding any that are yellowing.
Quinoa: 1 cup (190g), rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of any bitterness.
Pumpkin Seeds: 1/4 cup (40g). Raw or roasted. We're toasting ours!.

The Spice Rack & Dressing Dreams

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the squash, 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the kale.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml). This adds such a gorgeous smokiness!
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced for the kale.
Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) for the quinoa, 1/4 cup (60ml) for the kale. You could sub with chicken stock for a richer depth.
Tahini: 3 tablespoons (45ml). Essential for that creamy dressing, giving these butternut squash recipes the depth it needs.
Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml). The star of our maple tahini dressing ! Real maple syrup is best, but you can use whatever you have.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Freshly squeezed is always brighter.
Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). It adds a lovely warmth.

Don't forget your salt and pepper! These two are not negotiable. If you want more cozy autumn meals , add some cayenne pepper.

Kit Essential (Or At Least Really Helpful)

Large baking sheet. For roasting that butternut squash to perfection.
Large skillet. For sautéing our lovely kale.
Medium saucepan. Quinoa's gotta have a home, doesn't it?
Whisk. To get that dressing nice and smooth.
Cutting board & Chef's knife. Essential for chopping those veggies. Seriously, watch those fingers!

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. This simple bowl will quickly turn into a favorite comfort food recipes !

So, gather your ingredients. Get your kit ready. And prepare for a bowl of autumnal bliss. The "Autumnal Glow Bowl" embodies what seasonal self care is all about - nourishing autumn recipes that are a treat for the taste buds and a boost for the soul.

Now, let's get cooking! This is going to be a healthy fall recipes.

Cooking Method: Roasting the Butternut Squash for Autumnal Glow

Okay, let's talk about roasting butternut squash! Honestly, it's easier than you think. I know, peeling a squash can be a bit of a pain but trust me, the reward is worth it.

Plus, pre-cut squash is a lifesaver.

Prep Steps for Butternut Squash Recipes

Essential mise en place: Peel, deseed, and cube your butternut squash into roughly 1 inch pieces. Make sure they're all roughly the same size. Grab your olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It is very important for Self care recipes .
Time saving organization tips: Do all your chopping before you even turn on the oven. It’s a total time saver.
Safety reminders: Watch your fingers when chopping! That squash can be slippery and your knife needs to be razor sharp.

step-by-step Process

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get it nice and hot!
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil . Make sure every piece is coated.
Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , salt, and pepper to taste. Get those Autumnal flavors in!
Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of roast.
Roast for 25- 30 minutes , flipping halfway. Look for tender squash with slightly caramelized edges. That's visual cues for doneness .

Pro Tips

Don't be afraid to let the squash get a little bit browned. That's where the flavor is. You know?
I always line my baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, it's a game changer.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't add too much oil. The squash will get soggy.
make-ahead option: Roast the squash a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge and add it to your Autumnal Glow Bowl when you're ready.

Roasting is a cornerstone of healthy fall recipes and is the perfect embodiment of cozy autumn meals , a true act of seasonal self care .

When you savor that first bite, you'll understand why this Autumnal Glow Bowl is a feast for the senses and the soul.

Honestly, this is a really tasty autumn/winter recipe.

Recipe Notes for Autumnal Glow Bowls

Here are some extra bits and bobs, like tips and tricks, to make your Autumnal Glow Bowl shine. It's all about seasonal self care , right? So let's make it easy and enjoyable.

Honestly, these "Healthy fall recipes" are all about comfort.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good

Presentation matters, you know?

Plating Power: Layer your bowl artfully. Place the quinoa first, then arrange the squash and kale on top. Drizzle with the maple tahini dressing just before serving. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a final flourish.
Sidekicks: This bowl plays well with others. Consider a slice of crusty bread for dipping into the leftover maple tahini dressing. A warm cup of apple cider or a light, crisp white wine complements the flavors perfectly.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries, let's look at "Cozy autumn meals" properly!

Fridge Fun: Store each element of the Autumnal Glow Bowl separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days . This keeps everything fresh and prevents the kale from getting soggy.
Freezing Frenzy: While you can freeze the roasted butternut squash and cooked quinoa, the texture may change slightly. It's best to freeze them separately . Thaw completely before using. I wouldn't recommend freezing the kale or the dressing, though.
Reheating Rockstar: Reheat the squash and quinoa in the microwave or a skillet. Gently warm the kale in a skillet with a splash of water . Assemble your bowl and drizzle with fresh dressing.

Variations: Make it Yours

Wanna shake things up a bit? No problem!

Dietary Tweaks: For a vegan version, simply omit the optional feta cheese. For a grain free option, substitute the quinoa with riced cauliflower or steamed sweet potato.
Seasonal Swaps: Don't have butternut squash? Sweet potatoes or acorn squash work great. If kale isn't your thing, try spinach or Swiss chard. These "Autumnal recipes" are so adaptable.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Fuel your body with this autumnal delight.

Simplified Stats: Each serving is around 450 calories, with 15 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 50 grams of carbs.
Health Boost: Butternut squash is packed with vitamin A. Kale is a great source of vitamins K and C. Quinoa is a complete protein. This bowl is designed to provide sustained energy and support overall well being. These ingredients make great "Nourishing autumn recipes".

Honestly, this Autumnal Glow Bowl is more than just a meal. It's a way to celebrate the season and treat yourself right.

So go ahead, whip one up and enjoy! I reckon it will become part of your seasonal self care routine, and a way to enjoy "Fall harvest recipes".

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Autumnal Glow Bowl ahead of time for meal prep during my seasonal self care routine?

Absolutely! The individual components of this dish, like the roasted butternut squash, cooked quinoa, and maple tahini dressing, can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture.

Just like prepping your packed lunch for a busy week, prepping this dish ahead of time can make your week run smoother.

I'm not a huge fan of kale. Is there a good substitute I can use in this seasonal self care bowl?

No worries, mate! If kale isn't your cup of tea, spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes. They cook similarly to kale and offer a milder flavor. Just sauté them for a shorter amount of time until they're wilted.

Consider it like switching from Earl Grey to green tea same vibe, different flavour profile!

My butternut squash isn't caramelizing properly when I roast it. What am I doing wrong?

Caramelization is key for that lovely, roasted flavour! Make sure you aren't overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will cause the squash to steam instead of roast. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. A little extra olive oil can also help.

Think of it like getting that perfect tan you need the right conditions and a little bit of oil!

Is this Autumnal Glow Bowl vegan friendly, and can I adjust it to meet other dietary needs?

It certainly can be! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. To make it fully vegan, simply omit the feta cheese topping (or use a vegan feta alternative). You can tailor the bowl to various dietary needs by swapping out ingredients; for a lower carb option, consider cauliflower rice instead of quinoa or adding chickpeas to increase the protein.

How long will the Autumnal Glow Bowl last in the fridge, and what's the best way to store it?

Once assembled, this Autumnal Glow Bowl will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the other ingredients from becoming soggy.

Think of it like keeping your biscuits crisp proper storage is key!

Can I add other vegetables to the bowl for more variety and seasonal self care goodness?

Absolutely! This bowl is super versatile. Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or beets would be fantastic additions. You could also add some chopped apple or pear for a touch of sweetness and a different texture. Let your imagination run wild and use whatever seasonal veggies are looking their best at the market.

It is like customising your Sunday roast!