Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Spinach and Chickpeas

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Spinach and Chickpeas is a hearty, nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of roasted acorn squash with savory lentils, chickpeas, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a healthy midnight meal, this dish is not only filling but also packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils and Spinach and Chickpeas
45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
American
380 kcal

Ingredients

  • Acorn squash - 1 medium (about 500g)
  • Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Cooked lentils - 1 cup (240g)
  • Canned chickpeas - 1 cup (240g), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh spinach - 2 cups (60g), chopped
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion - 1 small, diced
  • Cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Vegetable broth - 1/2 cup (120ml)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional) - 2 tablespoons, grated

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Brush the cut sides of the squash with 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 about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
  5. While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  6. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in the cooked lentils, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add the chopped spinach and vegetable broth to the skillet, cooking until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Remove the squash from the oven, carefully flip them over, and fill each half with the lentil and spinach mixture.
  10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if using, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  11. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Carbs: 60 g
  • Fiber: 15 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from lentils and chickpeas.
  • High in fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

Tags

AmericanHealthyMidnight