Baked Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash with Herbs and Spices

Baked Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty and colorful dish that combines the rich, nutty flavor of acorn squash with a savory filling of seasonal vegetables and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish not only pleases the palate but also provides a nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Acorn squash - 1 medium (about 600g)
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, diced (about 75g)
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced (about 100g)
• Onion - 1/2 small, diced (about 50g)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh spinach - 1 cup (30g), chopped
• Feta cheese - 100g, crumbled
• Parmesan cheese - 50g, grated
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Dried thyme - 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g)
• Vegetable broth - 1/4 cup (60ml)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
8. Once the squash is done, carefully turn the halves over and fill each half with the vegetable and cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
9. Drizzle the vegetable broth over the stuffed squash and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin and immune function.
• High in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

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