Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Chickpeas

Stuffed acorn squash filled with a hearty mixture of lentils and chickpeas creates a comforting and nutritious dinner option. This dish is not only vibrant and flavorful but also rich in plant-based protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 medium acorn squash - 450 grams
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils - 100 grams
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 100 grams
• 1 small onion, diced - 70 grams
• 2 cloves garlic, minced - 6 grams
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 2 grams
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 grams
• 2 tablespoons olive oil - 30 ml
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 8 grams
• 1 tablespoon tahini - 15 grams

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the cut sides 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 oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. In a skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add the diced onion, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7. Stir in the cooked lentils and chickpeas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and tahini until well combined.
9. Once the squash is roasted, carefully flip the halves cut side up and fill each half with the lentil and chickpea mixture.
10. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
11. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Packed with plant-based protein, beneficial for muscle health.

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