Stuffed Acorn Squash

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn? 🍂 Today we’re making a heartwarming dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall — Stuffed Acorn Squash. This traditional recipe has been cherished for generations, offering a comforting combination of sweet roasted squash filled with a savory, aromatic stuffing. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive dinner, a wholesome family meal, or simply to enjoy the seasonal bounty, this recipe promises to warm both your home and your heart. ❤️

Acorn squash, with its tender golden flesh and mild sweetness, makes the perfect edible bowl for a rich stuffing of grains, vegetables, herbs, and sometimes a touch of meat or nuts. When roasted, its natural sugars caramelize beautifully, giving each bite a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The savory filling—brimming with onions, celery, mushrooms, and warm spices—balances the sweetness, creating a harmony that feels like a hug in every bite. 🤗

So, light a candle, grab your apron, and let’s bring a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen with this classic, nourishing dish. 🌰🍁

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Squash:

• 2 medium acorn squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 apple, peeled and diced (optional but lovely for sweetness 🍎)
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice (or a mix of both)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp sage or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• A drizzle of olive oil or maple syrup

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Prepare the Squash:
   Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the Squash:
   Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for about 25–30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and golden brown around the edges.
4. Make the Filling:
   While the squash roasts, heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
5. Add Mushrooms and Apple:
   Stir in the chopped mushrooms and diced apple. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and everything turns golden.
6. Mix in Grains and Nuts:
   Add the cooked quinoa or rice, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, thyme, and sage. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper.
7. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste your filling — it should be savory with a hint of sweetness. If you’d like a bit of tang, a tiny squeeze of lemon works wonders. 🍋
8. Stuff the Squash:
   Remove the roasted squash from the oven and carefully turn them upright. Fill each cavity generously with the prepared mixture.
9. Top and Bake Again:
   Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top if using, and return the stuffed squash to the oven. Bake for another 10–15 minutes until everything is hot and slightly crisp on top.
10. Serve Warm:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with olive oil or maple syrup for an extra touch of flavor. Serve as a main dish or a hearty side.

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🥗 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4

⚡ Calories per serving: ~320

• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Sugar: 12g

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This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients! 🌟 Acorn squash provides an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while the nuts and grains add plant-based protein and healthy fats. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it satisfying enough to serve as a vegetarian main course, yet elegant enough to grace your holiday table.

💡 Tip: If you prefer a heartier meal, try adding some cooked sausage or lentils to the filling before baking. Both options add extra texture and depth!

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️