Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty and nutritious vegan dish, featuring sweet roasted acorn squash filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, vegetables, and spices. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and showcases the vibrant flavors of the season.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash - medium
• 1 cup quinoa - rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion - diced
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 red bell pepper - diced
• 1 cup spinach - chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup walnuts - chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half vertically and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the insides of the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
5. While the squash is roasting, cook the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
6. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
7. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
8. Stir in the chopped spinach, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
9. Combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, nutritional yeast, and chopped walnuts (if using) in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
10. Remove the roasted acorn squash from the oven and carefully flip them cut-side up. Fill each squash half with the quinoa mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
11. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
12. Serve warm, garnished with additional walnuts or herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health.

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