Looking for a delightful dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further than our Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa! This vegetarian masterpiece not only bursts with flavor but also showcases the vibrant colors of autumn. Imagine tender acorn squash filled to the brim with a warm, nutty quinoa mixture, dotted with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s dive into the details of how to create this mouthwatering dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully cut the acorn squashes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon. Create a flat surface by trimming a small slice from the bottom of each squash half to help them sit stable on the baking sheet.
- Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the quinoa filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
- Remove the squash from the oven and carefully flip the halves cut-side up. Fill each squash cavity generously with the quinoa mixture.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the filling is heated through and the edges of the squash are lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: When selecting acorn squashes, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, with a rich, deep green color. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.
- Cook Quinoa Perfectly: To achieve fluffy quinoa, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness. Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for perfect results!
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add ingredients like feta cheese, sautéed onions, or even spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Roast for Flavor: Don’t skip the roasting step! Roasting the squash enhances its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that complements the filling beautifully.
- Serve with a Sauce: For an extra touch, drizzle balsamic reduction or a yogurt sauce over the stuffed squash just before serving for added flavor and elegance.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can roast the squash and prepare the filling in advance, then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional chopped walnuts on top before serving not only adds flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
