🧡 Stuffed Acorn Squash
🥕 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra heartiness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
🔪 Instructions
1. Roast the squash
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Brush squash halves with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on a baking tray and roast for 30–35 minutes until tender.
2. Prepare the filling
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cranberries, cooked quinoa/rice (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff & bake
- Flip roasted squash cut-side up.
- Fill each half generously with the spinach-mushroom mixture.
- Top with feta cheese and nuts.
- Drizzle lightly with honey/maple syrup if desired.
4. Final bake
- Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly golden.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of fresh cucumber yogurt sauce or a simple green salad.
- Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Simply replace feta with a plant-based cheese or skip it and add extra nuts or chickpeas.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead?
Absolutely. Roast the squash and prepare the filling in advance, then stuff and bake just before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of cranberries?
Try raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even pomegranate seeds for a fresh twist.
Q: Is this healthy?
Yes—this dish is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, with a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors.
