Quinoa and cranberry stuffed acorn squash is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a flavorful quinoa and cranberry filling. This dish is great for a cozy dinner or a holiday meal and works well as a vegetarian main dish or a side.
The flavors of this recipe come from a mix of savory and sweet ingredients. The quinoa is light and fluffy, and the cranberries add a pop of tartness. The acorn squash becomes tender and slightly sweet as it roasts, making the perfect bowl for the quinoa stuffing. This dish is easy to prepare, nutritious, and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash Ingredients
– For the Acorn Squash:
– 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the Quinoa Stuffing:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash Directions
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the squash: Brush the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook the quinoa: While the squash is roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
4. Sauté the onion: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, walnuts (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
6. Stuff the squash: Once the squash is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Flip the squash over and spoon the quinoa mixture into each half, packing it gently.
7. Serve and enjoy: Place the stuffed squash back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to warm the filling, then serve hot.
How to Prepare:
Preparing quinoa and cranberry stuffed acorn squash is simple. First, roast the squash until it’s tender. While it’s cooking, make the quinoa and mix in the other stuffing ingredients. Once the squash is roasted, stuff it with the quinoa mixture and heat it for a few more minutes. This dish is ready to serve in about an hour, making it an easy and delicious option for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side.
Preparation Time:
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Cook time: 40-45 minutes
– Total time: 1 hour
Servings:
– Serves 4 (1/2 acorn squash per person)
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the squash and prepare the quinoa filling ahead of time. Just stuff the squash and reheat it in the oven before serving.
2. Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! You can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or even brown rice if you prefer.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This stuffed acorn squash pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a side dish for larger meals.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth or water for cooking the quinoa.
5. Can I add meat to the stuffing?
If you prefer to add protein, you can mix in cooked ground turkey, sausage, or chicken to the quinoa stuffing.
Conclusion
Quinoa and cranberry stuffed acorn squash is a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish. The combination of tender roasted squash with a sweet and savory quinoa stuffing makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or as a healthy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for you and your family. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall!
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Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender roasted acorn squash filled with a flavorful quinoa mixture, featuring cranberries, nuts, and aromatic herbs. This is a perfect fall or winter dish, ideal for a holiday meal or a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- ? 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
- ? 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- ? 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- ? 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- ? 1/2 cup diced onion
- ? 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ? 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ? 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ? 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ? 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ? 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- ? 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ? 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Prepare Acorn Squash:
Place the acorn squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until tender. ?✨
3️⃣ Cook Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
4️⃣ Sauté Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5️⃣ Combine Filling Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, sautéed onions and garlic, dried cranberries, chopped parsley or cilantro, walnuts or pecans (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
6️⃣ Stuff the Squash:
Once the acorn squash is roasted, fill each half generously with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
7️⃣ Return to Oven:
Place the stuffed acorn squash back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through.
8️⃣ Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious quinoa and cranberry stuffed acorn squash! ?️?
Notes
◻️ This dish is great as a main course or a side for holiday dinners!
◻️ You can customize the filling with other vegetables or spices as desired! ?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Roasted, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American