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Thanksgiving Favorite: Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

Holidays are a tough time to stay on track with our diet. I wanted to share this recipe that I've made for my family for the last few Thanksgiving holidays. This stuffed squash dish displays well. It works well as a side but is hardy enough for people that choose not to eat turkey. Best of all, it will work for most people with food allergies and can be adapted for other dietary needs.

 

Level: Intermediate

Total: 1 hr 45 min

Prep: 15 min

Inactive: 5 min

Cook: 1 hr 25 min


Yield: 4 servings


Ingredients:

2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 small onion, chopped

1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well

1 teaspoon mild curry powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped


Directions:

1) Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2) Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.

3) Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup. Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.

4) Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.

5) Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Cooks Notes:

The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated. To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.


I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!


Recipe is from: Food Network


Stephen Durell hold a Master's Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. He specializes in treating chronic pain using acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy.

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