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Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

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A heartwarming dish featuring tender, sweet acorn squash filled with a savory quinoa mixture, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 acorn squashes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup quinoa (uncooked and rinsed)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)
  • 1/2 red onion (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if necessary)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the acorn squashes: Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Season the squashes: Brush the insides with olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper.
  4. Roast the squashes: Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa, combine with water, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  6. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, mozzarella, dried apricots, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic, honey, and remaining salt.
  7. Stuff the squash: Flip the roasted squash halves and fill them with the quinoa mixture.
  8. Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle panko and extra mozzarella on top.
  9. Final bake: Return stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Plate and optionally drizzle with extra lemon juice.

Notes

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Adjust cooking times for different types of squash.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa, stuffed squash, vegetarian, healthy meal, pumpkin spice

Find it online: https://cleanplatecravings.com/high-protein-quinoa-stuffed-acorn-squash-weeknight-meals/