Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pomegranate: 1 Amazing Meal
A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian main dish perfect for holidays. This recipe features baked acorn squash halves filled with a spiced quinoa and pomegranate mixture, offering a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, chopped parsley, cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the squash is tender, carefully remove it from the oven.
- Spoon the quinoa mixture generously into the cavities of the baked squash halves.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the squash is fully cooked.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your quinoa is cooked and cooled before mixing the filling.
- You can toast the walnuts lightly for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your preference.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal (varies with ingredients and optional drizzle)
- Sugar: Varies (from squash and pomegranate)
- Sodium: Varies (depending on added salt)
- Fat: Varies (from olive oil and walnuts)
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: 0mg