Quinoa Stuffed Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Squash is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted squash with a savory quinoa filling. This gluten-free main dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Quinoa Stuffed Squash
60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
American
360 kcal

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash - 1 medium (about 1 kg)
  • Quinoa - 100 grams
  • Vegetable broth - 250 ml
  • Red bell pepper - 1 small, diced
  • Onion - 1 small, diced
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Feta cheese (optional) - 50 grams, crumbled

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Drizzle the inside of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle 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, rinse the quinoa under cold water and combine it with vegetable broth in a saucepan.
  6. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  7. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  8. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the cooked quinoa, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined and heated through.
  10. Once the squash is done roasting, carefully flip the halves over and fill each with the quinoa mixture.
  11. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Carbs: 62 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in protein and fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Packed with vitamins A and C, supporting immune function.

Tags

AmericanGluten-FreeMain Dish