### Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash – A Festive Delight 🍂🎃
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the delectable Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash. This dish is a beautiful mélange of comforting flavors and vibrant colors that embody the essence of a joyful gathering.
### Why Make This Recipe:
There are several reasons you’d want to try your hand at the Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash:
– It’s incredibly nutritious because of the wholesome ingredients used, like acorn squashes, quinoa, and spinach.
– It’s a versatile dish that you can serve as a main course or side dish during your holiday meals.
– The recipe is simple and quite foolproof, even if you’re not a seasoned cook.
– Lastly, it’s beyond delicious!
### How to Make the Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash
Making this delightful dish is quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
#### Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squashes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
#### Directions:
1. **Prepare the Squash:** Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice each acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the insides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and put them on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the squash halves are soft.
2. **Cook the Quinoa:** Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for around 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy with the liquid absorbed.
3. **Make the Filling:** Combine the cooked quinoa, spinach, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a large bowl and mix well.
4. **Stuff the Squash:** Turn the roasted squash halves cut side up and evenly distribute the filling mixture into each half.
5. **Bake:** Put the stuffed squash back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
### How to Serve the Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash
Serve the Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash warm. Add extra feta or cranberries as garnish if desired. It pairs perfectly with a light salad.
### How to Store the Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash
You can store any leftover dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat the squash in a preheated oven until warm.
### Tips to Make the Perfect Holiday Stuffed Acorn Squash
– Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the squash effectively.
– Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.
– Stuff the squashes while they are still warm. This helps the flavors to fuse better while baking.
### Variations
– You can use couscous or bulgur wheat in place of quinoa.
– Try adding other dry fruits and nuts like raisins and pecans for additional flavor and texture.
– Vegan cheese can replace feta for a vegan-friendly alternative.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### Q1: Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! You can use butternut or spaghetti squash.
#### Q2: Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?
Yes, you can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for additional flavors.
#### Q3: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, just prepare as instructed, and before the final bake, cover and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Savor the flavors of the holiday season with this enticing dish. Happy cooking!