Curried Lamb-Stuffed Acorn Squash
This delightful recipe combines the earthy sweetness of acorn squash with a spiced meat filling, perfect for cozy fall or winter dinners. Adapted from a beloved cookbook, 'Apple Companion,' found at Amish Acres in Indiana, this dish is bursting with flavor. The tender squash halves cradle a mixture of ground lamb, caramelized onions, tart apples, and aromatic spices, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. Serve this dish to impress your family or guests and transport them to the heart of Amish country with each bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
1 large (cut in half and seeds removed)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
yellow onion
1 medium (peeled and diced)
tart apple
1 large (cored and diced)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
curry powder
2 teaspoons (good quality)
ground lamb, beef or turkey
1 lb (raw)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half from stem to tip, removing seeds and any stringy pulp; set aside.
3
In a heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
4
Using a peeler or apple corer, prepare your tart apple, cored and diced into small pieces.
5
Add the diced apple, minced garlic, and curry powder to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the spices to release their fragrant aroma.
6
Next, add the ground lamb (or beef/turkey) to the skillet. Cook, mixing thoroughly, until the meat is browned and crumbly.
7
Sprinkle in the cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt, stirring to combine well. Pour in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
8
Fill the hollowed-out squash halves with the flavorful meat mixture, packing it in as much as possible.
9
Arrange the stuffed squash in a baking dish, filling the dish with about 1 inch of boiling water. Cover tightly with foil to retain moisture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
11
Alternatively, to microwave, cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ventilating it with 2 slits. Cook at 70% power for about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curried Lamb-Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a hearty dish featuring acorn squash halves filled with a spiced mixture of ground lamb, apples, onions, and curry.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was adapted from a cookbook called 'Apple Companion' found at Amish Acres in Indiana.
What meat can I use if I do not have lamb?
The recipe can also be made with 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey as a substitute for ground lamb.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the squash need to bake in the oven?
It needs to bake for approximately 1 hour until the flesh is tender.
Can I cook this recipe in a microwave?
Yes, cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, vent with two slits, and cook at 70% power for about 25 minutes.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for stuffing?
Carefully cut the squash in half from stem to tip and remove the seeds and stringy pulp.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large tart apple, cored and diced.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with curry powder, cumin seed, cayenne pepper, and salt.
How much heavy cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe uses one medium yellow onion, peeled and diced.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter.
When do I add the garlic to the filling?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet after the onions have become translucent, along with the apples and curry powder.
Do I need to add water to the baking dish?
Yes, fill the baking dish with about 1 inch of boiling water before covering it with foil.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Is the meat cooked before being put into the squash?
Yes, the ground meat is browned in a skillet with the other filling ingredients before stuffing the squash.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of good quality curry powder.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How much cumin seed is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of cumin seed.
How much cayenne pepper is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, it should be covered tightly with foil to retain moisture.
What is the texture of the filling once cooked?
The mixture is boiled with heavy cream until it becomes thickened and crumbly.
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef is a suitable alternative according to the ingredient list.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, one large acorn squash typically serves two people when cut in half.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for fall or winter dinners.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the skillet.
What should I do with the apple core?
The apple should be cored and the core discarded before dicing the rest of the fruit.
How do I sauté the onions?
Melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.