Description
Savory stuffed acorn squash showcases Mediterranean flavors with quinoa, herbs, and roasted vegetables. Wholesome ingredients create a comforting meal promising warmth and nourishment for those seeking delightful seasonal cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian, chicken, or turkey)
- ½ cup wild rice, uncooked (or a wild rice blend)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 3 tbsps olive oil, divided
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast Squash: Slice acorn squash in half, remove seeds, and coat interior with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on baking sheet and roast at 400F (200C) for 35 minutes until fork-tender.
- Prepare Filling: Simultaneously cook wild rice and sauté onions, garlic, and sausage in skillet until meat browns. Integrate apple chunks, dried cranberries, pecans, thyme, sage, and cinnamon, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Components: Fold cooked wild rice into sausage mixture, adjusting seasoning. Flip roasted squash halves and generously stuff with rice mixture, pressing gently to compact filling.
- Final Bake: Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over stuffed squash. Return to oven for additional 10-15 minutes until tops turn golden and dish is heated through.
- Serve Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Squash Selection Matters: Choose firm, heavy acorn squash with smooth, dull skin to ensure maximum flavor and best roasting results.
- Roasting Technique Precision: Position squash cut-side down to lock in moisture and create caramelized, tender flesh without drying out.
- Seasoning Balance: Layer herbs and spices gradually, tasting as you go to develop deep, complementary flavor profiles without overwhelming the natural squash sweetness.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or chickpeas for vegetarian version; use gluten-free wild rice blend for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg