Festive Friendsgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash: A Heartwarming Dish to Share

As the season of gratitude approaches, gather your loved ones for a Friendsgiving celebration that showcases the best of fall flavors. This Festive Stuffed Acorn Squash is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your holiday table. Each serving is loaded with vitamins and minerals from seasonal vegetables, quinoa, and spices, all while being vegetarian-friendly. At approximately 350 calories per serving, this dish offers a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes the body and soul.

Servings and Preparation Time

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Squash: Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until translucent. Add the bell pepper, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked quinoa and black beans until everything is well combined and heated through.

4. Stuff the Squash: Once the acorn squash is tender, carefully flip them over and fill each half generously with the quinoa mixture. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

5. Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Squash

To ensure that your stuffed acorn squash turns out perfectly, choose squashes that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, unblemished skin. Roasting the squash cut-side down allows for even cooking and enhances its natural sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your stuffing; you can add nuts, dried cranberries, or other seasonal vegetables to suit your taste. This recipe is also great for leftovers—simply reheat and enjoy!

Enjoy your Friendsgiving celebration with this heartwarming dish that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart!