Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms ordinary squash into an extraordinary Southern-inspired masterpiece! This Black Eyed Peas Baked Squash isn't just another recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines hearty legumes, creamy squash, and a crispy, cheesy topping that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a vegetable lover, a comfort food enthusiast, or simply someone looking to impress at the dinner table, this dish promises to be your new go-to recipe that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium squash, halved
- 1 cup black eyed peas, cooked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Wash the squash thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and create a slight hollow in each squash half.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked black eyed peas, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
- Generously fill each squash half with the black eyed pea mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it's compact and evenly distributed.
- Place the filled squash halves in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are stable and not touching each other.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm squash with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Pre-cook black eyed peas until they're tender but not mushy to maintain their integrity in the dish.
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with a bit of olive oil before mixing.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a more intense and melty result compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Don't skip the foil-covered baking for the first 30 minutes—this helps steam the squash and keep it moist.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or smoky gouda to personalize the recipe.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and filling to set properly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
