“The Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—remind us that the most sustainable meals are rooted in tradition, grown in harmony, and crafted with purpose. When we cook with respect for the land, every bite becomes an act of restoration.” – Matthew Thompson, Chief Culinary Officer at Restaura
A vibrant, scratch-made dish inspired by Indigenous wisdom—celebrating interdependence, sustainability, and unapologetically delicious flavor.
Servings: 4
Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, high in fiber and plant-based protein
🧄 Ingredients:
Roasted Squash
2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash or acorn squash
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp sea salt
Spiced Corn & Bean Sauté
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ small red onion, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn
1 ½ cups cooked black beans or pinto beans
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
Juice of ½ lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Herbed Grain Base
2 cups cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Zest of 1 lime or lemon
Garnishes (Optional but encouraged)
Sliced avocado
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Crumbled plant-based cheese or a dollop of cashew cream
Microgreens or baby arugula
Drizzle of maple tahini dressing or chili-lime vinaigrette
👩🍳 Instructions:
Roast the Squash:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
Make the Sauté:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and red onion, sauté 2–3 minutes. Stir in corn, beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Grain Base:
Mix your cooked grain with herbs and citrus zest for a fresh foundation.
Build Your Bowl:
Scoop herbed grains into bowls. Top with roasted squash, corn & bean sauté, and your favorite garnishes.
Finish with Flair:
Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with pepitas or microgreens, and serve warm or at room temperature.
🌎 Why This Dish Matters:
– Culturally rooted in Indigenous agricultural practices
– Nutritionally balanced with fiber, protein, and healthy fats
– Responsibly sourced and scalable for any community setting
– Visually stunning and endlessly customizable
– Unapologetically delicious, honoring tradition with every bit