For the Roasted Jerk Butternut Squash:

• 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb): The star of the show! Butternut squash provides a naturally sweet and creamy base that contrasts beautifully with the spicy jerk seasoning. Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size, indicating it’s ripe and full of flavor. You’ll need to peel and cube it into roughly 1-inch pieces for even roasting.
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat that helps the jerk seasoning adhere to the squash and encourages beautiful caramelization during roasting. Extra virgin olive oil also adds a subtle fruity note.
• 2 tablespoons Homemade Jerk Seasoning: This is where the Jamaican magic happens! Jerk seasoning is a vibrant blend of spices that brings warmth, heat, and depth of flavor. Using homemade allows you to control the spice level and freshness.

Homemade Jerk Seasoning Blend:

• 1 tablespoon Onion Powder: Adds a savory, umami depth to the jerk seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder: Another essential savory element, garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper: This is your heat source! Cayenne pepper provides a fiery kick that’s characteristic of jerk seasoning. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 2 teaspoons Salt + Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder taste.
• 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme: Thyme brings an earthy, slightly minty aroma and flavor that complements the other spices beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness is crucial in jerk seasoning. Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps with caramelization during roasting and balances the heat.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice: Allspice is a powerhouse spice that adds a warm, complex flavor reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It’s a signature ingredient in jerk seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the spice blend.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Paprika adds a mild smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the seasoning. Smoked paprika can be used for an even deeper smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds another layer of heat and texture to the seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory spices.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet note that enhances the complexity of the jerk seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Clove: Clove is a potent spice with a warm, sweet, and slightly pungent flavor. A small amount goes a long way in jerk seasoning, adding depth and complexity.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin: Cumin brings an earthy, warm, and slightly smoky flavor that rounds out the spice blend.

For the Roasted Veggies:

• 2 lbs Baby Yukon Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy, slightly sweet, and hold their shape well when roasted. Baby potatoes are convenient and roast quickly. You can use other potato varieties like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes as well. (See Notes section for potato alternatives)
• 1 lb Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts, when roasted properly, become crispy and slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness. Halving them ensures even cooking and caramelization.
• 8–10 Mini Sweet Peppers: Mini sweet peppers add vibrant color, sweetness, and a gentle crunch to the bowl. Halving them allows them to roast evenly and develop a slightly charred flavor.
• ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for roasting the vegetables, promoting browning and flavor development.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and seasons them perfectly.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent bite and depth of flavor.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Dried Oregano: Oregano brings a robust, slightly peppery, and earthy flavor that pairs well with roasted vegetables.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Dried Basil: Basil adds a sweet, slightly peppery, and aromatic note that complements the other herbs.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory notes of the roasted vegetables.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Dried Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous touch to the vegetable seasoning.
• 1 ½ tablespoons Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deep smoky flavor and vibrant color to the roasted vegetables, enhancing their overall appeal.
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat to the roasted vegetables, balancing the sweetness and savory notes.

For the Light Stew Peas:

• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and building the base of the stew peas.
• 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans provide a creamy texture, protein, and fiber to the stew peas. Draining and rinsing removes excess sodium and canning liquid.
• 1 Carrot, peeled and chopped: Carrot adds sweetness, color, and a subtle earthy note to the stew peas.
• 1 ½ cups Full-Fat Coconut Cream or Milk: Coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk creates a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet broth for the stew peas. Full-fat is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
• 2 tablespoons Organic Vegetable Stock: Vegetable stock adds depth of flavor to the stew peas broth. Choose organic for a cleaner flavor.
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced: Fresh garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base for the stew peas. Minced garlic releases its flavor quickly during sautéing.
• ½ Red Onion, diced: Red onion adds a slightly sweet and pungent flavor that complements the other aromatics. Dicing ensures even cooking.
• 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers, left whole!: Scotch bonnet peppers are essential for authentic Jamaican stew peas, providing intense heat and a unique fruity flavor. Leaving them whole allows you to control the spice level – they infuse flavor without making the stew overwhelmingly spicy. Handle with caution and avoid cutting or breaking them open unless you desire extreme heat.
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Seasons the stew peas and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Pinch of Black Pepper: Adds a subtle pungent note and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous touch to the stew peas.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme complements the other spices and adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth to the stew peas, enhancing its savory profile.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice: Allspice echoes the jerk seasoning and adds a warm, complex flavor to the stew peas.

Other Essential Components:

• Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa forms the base of the power bowl, providing a complete protein source, fiber, and nutty flavor. Cook according to package instructions.
• 2 cups Herb Roasted Tomatoes: Roasted tomatoes add sweetness, acidity, and juicy bursts of flavor to the bowl. You can roast your own or use store-bought herb-roasted tomatoes.
• Hass Avocado, peeled and diced: Avocado adds creamy richness, healthy fats, and a smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the other components. Hass avocados are known for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Homemade Dairy-free Lemon Garlic Dressing: A bright and tangy dressing is essential to tie all the flavors together and add a refreshing element to the bowl. A dairy-free lemon garlic dressing is a perfect complement. (Recipe for a simple lemon garlic dressing can be found online or you can use your favorite store-bought version)