Stuffed Acorn Squash
By Kara Plyler
Board Member
Acorn squash is a winter squash with ridges on its exterior that resembles (you guessed it) an acorn! The peak season for this delicious veggie is early October through December, making it a great addition to meals as the weather gets colder. The squash has a sweet, nutty flavor and a hollow interior that, when stuffed and baked, makes for a hearty and nutritious winter meal.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 medium to large acorn squash
1/4 cup of onion (chopped)
1 small green apple (chopped)
1 cup of a cooked whole grain (quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, farro)
1 cup of fresh spinach
1/2 cup of beets (pre-cooked and chopped)
1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Spices (1 teaspoon): garlic powder, thyme, cinnamon, mustard powder
Salt to taste
Optional:
2 tablespoons golden raisins
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
Cut a slice off each end of the squash
Cut squash horizontally in half and remove seeds with a spoon and season with salt
Place on a baking sheet (cut side up) and cover with foil
Bake 35-45 mins
While the squash is baking, sauté the onion and apple until soft
Add spinach, cooked grain, beans, beets and spices and cook until the spinach wilts
Remove squash from oven and stuff with the mixture
Optional: top with raisins, walnuts, and nutritional yeast, and drizzle with maple syrup and Dijon mustard