Oh my goodness, you guys! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite *stuffed baked acorn squash recipe*. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! The tender, sweet acorn squash is perfectly complemented by a hearty filling of quinoa, black beans, and vibrant veggies. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the combination of spices gives it just the right kick. Plus, it’s a gorgeous dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes! Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Prepare Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe
Preparing the Acorn Squash
Alright, let’s get started with the acorn squash! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, carefully cut each acorn squash in half from top to bottom. Make sure to use a sharp knife—squash can be surprisingly tough! Once they’re halved, scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits inside with a spoon. Don’t be shy; you want a nice hollow center to hold all that delicious filling! Now, brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning really enhances their natural sweetness. You’re going to love how they turn out!
Cooking the Quinoa Filling
Now onto the filling! In a saucepan, bring your vegetable broth to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the rinsed quinoa. Give it a little stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Trust me, the smell is heavenly! You’ll know it’s ready when all the liquid has absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. It’s colorful and so hearty!
Roasting and Combining
Now it’s time to roast those beautiful acorn squashes! Flip them over so the cut side is facing down on a baking sheet, and pop them into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. They should be tender when you check them. Once they’re ready, carefully flip them over to cut side up and fill each half with that amazing quinoa mixture you just made. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there! Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to let everything meld together. When they come out, they’ll be beautifully golden and ready to impress your taste buds!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the seasoning! A good sprinkle of salt and pepper inside the squash really brings out their sweetness.
- If you want a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the filling before the final bake. It gets all melty and delicious!
- Feel free to mix up the filling! Try adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even some chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make sure to check the squashes for doneness; they should be tender but still hold their shape. No one wants mushy squash!
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make the filling ahead of time and assemble everything right before baking.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delightful stuffed baked acorn squash recipe! Each serving is packed with goodness to fuel your day. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data:
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed half squash
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But either way, you can feel good about enjoying this hearty dish that’s not only delicious but nutritious too!
FAQ Section
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa gives a lovely texture and flavor, you can easily substitute it with rice, farro, or even couscous if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose.
How do I know when the acorn squash is done?
You’ll want the squash to be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold its shape. If it feels too soft, it might get mushy, and we definitely don’t want that! Keep an eye on it during the roasting process.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the stuffed squash right before baking for the best results. It makes weeknight cooking a breeze!
What can I serve with stuffed baked acorn squash?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies on the side. You could also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this stuffed baked acorn squash recipe is completely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. If you want to add cheese on top, just opt for a dairy-free variety to keep it vegan-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of quinoa, black beans, and veggies makes for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.
- Flavor Explosion: With spices like cumin and chili powder, every bite is bursting with flavor that’s both savory and a little spicy.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the filling against the golden squash make it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own.
Serving Suggestions
- A crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or seasonal vegetables
- Quinoa or wild rice pilaf for added texture
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative for creaminess
- Crusty bread or garlic knots for a delightful side
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any stuffed baked acorn squash left, don’t worry—you can easily enjoy them later. To store, simply place the cooled stuffed squashes in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t last that long because they’re just too good!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry—just place a half in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure it’s hot all the way through. Just be careful not to overdo it, as we want to keep that lovely texture intact!
Drucken
Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash Recipe: 5 Flavorful Steps
- Gesamtzeit: 60 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious stuffed baked acorn squash recipe with savory filling.
Zutaten
- 2 acorn squashes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the squashes cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add quinoa.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Flip the roasted squashes cut side up and fill them with the quinoa mixture.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add cheese on top before the final bake.
- You can substitute quinoa with rice if preferred.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 stuffed half squash
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 250mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: stuffed baked acorn squash recipe
