Squash Sandwich with Brown Rice and Soya Mince

        Wow... guess where I am.... in India. Yes, I landed yesterday evening in my home town after 26 hr journey with the cool breeze so welcoming but I could feel the warmth enveloping around me. Actually 20hr journey became 26 hrs because of flight delay...!!!!

        It was so refreshing and nostalgic to return to the place which holds so much value in my life. The funny thing I just visited the place 2 months ago , even then I feel so at home when I stepped on my home soil.

        The smell , the sight and the sounds of the moving traffic, roadside eateries , overflowing bus stands, flickering traffic signals , my mom's "rasam saadham" .... Oh! everything is so wonderful.

         My daughter just shrieked with joy when she saw my parents and ran to them inspite of the long journey. The sight of my parents [all teary and joyous] with my daughter smiling and kissing them ... it was all worth the long journey:)

         I am still a bit jet lagged but can't stay away from my blog, can I ? I shrieked in joy which made my mom jump when I saw the comment from the "SpicyTasty " team that I am the winner of the "Quick and Easy Recipe Mela"... I just don't have any words to express my joy.

          I am so happy guys... my profound thanks to Arthi, Nithu and Shriya of the Spicy Tasty team who have done such a wonderful job of having this beautiful event. They are so generous to award me with this cool badge.

Do check out the event here:  Spicy Tasty.com : Quick and Easy Recipe Mela
Check out the announcement of the winner:  Winners - Quick and Easy Recipe Mela

          My dear friends, if  you have not visited their lovely space please do now.... U won't be disappointed :) Awesome collection of recipes and delicious posts... everytime I visit their space , my jaw just drops open looking at the recipes which are very unique and decadent and I always come back feeling hungry :)

         Thanks guys once again... I am lost for words to express my joy :))

         Coming to the recipe, this is a very healthy delicious dinner recipe with the the opportunity to have loads of variations.... The ingredients are at war with each other to prove their health benefits ..... The right one for the tired body....

          I love butternut squash but instead of making it into stir fry or soup, I thought it would be very nice to have it sliced and grilled :)

         The actual filling for this butternut sandwich is brown rice and soya mince. It is so chewy and spicy, provides such a contrast of flavour and texture to the squash.

For the filling:
Brown rice: 50 gms.
Soya mince: 50 gms.
Onion [medium]: 1.
Garlic pods: 5-6
Tomato [medium]:1.
Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp.
Vegetable stock cube: 1
Hot water: 500ml.
Oil:1 tsp

1.Soak the soya mince in 150ml of hot water in a bowl for 15 minutes.
2.In a microwave safe bowl add the brown rice and 200ml of hot water. Cook in microwave high until just done which would take 12-15 minutes.
3.Slice the garlic pods and onions into thin slices.

4.Heat oil in a non stick pan. Add the onions and garlic and fry till golden.
5.Add the herbs and sliced tomato and fry for 2 minutes.
6.Add the soaked soya mince [along with the water], cooked brown rice and the vegetable stock cube. Mix everything.
7.Add 100 ml of hot water and simmer in low flame until all the water is absorbed.

Keep warm.

Note:The filling can be made out of plain brown rice or soya mince. Paneer/tofu/chicken/prawn/boiled egg can be added to the filling to make it more nutritious.

Grilled butternut squash:
Butternut squash :1.
Oil: 1 tsp.
Salt: to taste.

1.Peel the squash [preferably the longitudinal portion] and slice into 1/2 cm thick slices.
2.Steam or parboil them for 5-6 minutes.
3.Heat a griddle pan and brush with the oil.
4.Place the slices on the grill. Sprinkle with salt and for 5-6 minutes on each side. 

Keep warm.

To assemble: Serves 2
Small cucumber:1
Red bell pepper: 1
Brown rice soya filling: 1 cup.
Grilled squash slices: 4
Lemon juice: 2tsp
Salt/pepper: to taste
Chives [optional]: to garnish.

1.Place a slice on the serving plate.
2.Fill a small cup with the filling and invert it on the slice.
3.Tap on the cup gently and lift the cup.
4.Place another slice on the filling.
5.Slice the cucumber and pepper into thin slices. Toss with lemon juice,salt and pepper.
6.Garnish the squash sandwiches with chives.

Serve warm along with salad.

Note: Reduce the amount of water added and make a dry filling. Serve it as main along with sliced grilled squash slices and salad as sides. The remaining squash [cook and uncooked] can be converted into soup or stir fry. Squash can be replaced with potato/tomato/pumpkin/ whole grain bread etc.
     
Sending this to Serve it Grilled happening in Kirthi's Kitchen , "Healing Foods - Whole Grains" happening in Briciole , an event by Siri , "Cook it Healthy - Proteinicious" by Shobha.

Enjoy.....

Scribbled by Reva