Description
Elevate your dinner with this wholesome, plant-based stuffed acorn squash. This recipe pairs the natural sweetness of roasted winter squash with a savory, protein-rich filling of fluffy quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dried cranberries. It is an elegant yet easy-to-prepare meal that serves as a beautiful main course for both casual family dinners and special holiday gatherings, offering a perfect balance of textures and vibrant flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained well
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced thin
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Spring onions, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Brush the acorn squash halves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the squash cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
While the squash roasts, cook the quinoa in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth until fluffy.
In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until golden.
Stir in the cooked quinoa, walnuts, cranberries, peas, and lime juice, cooking for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Flip the roasted squash halves and scoop the quinoa mixture into the cavities.
Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through before garnishing with spring onions.
Notes
You can add extra plant-based protein like chickpeas or cooked lentils to the stuffing for a heartier meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 squash
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg