Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Rice

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Rice is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils and rice with the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash. This colorful and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes - medium
• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 small onion - diced
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 carrot - diced
• 1 celery stalk - diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley - chopped
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the acorn squashes in half vertically and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the cut sides of the squashes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squashes cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. While the squashes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
7. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Add the cooked lentils and brown rice to the skillet, mixing well, then pour in the vegetable broth and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the fresh parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Once the squashes are roasted, carefully turn them cut side up and fill each half with the lentil and rice mixture.
11. Return the stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
12. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 14 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

Tags