Curry-Spiced Lamb-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Discover the heartwarming flavors of fall with this exquisite recipe for Curry-Spiced Lamb-Stuffed Acorn Squash. Inspired by the rustic charm of Indiana's Amish country and featured in the beloved cookbook 'Apple Companion', this dish combines tender acorn squash with a savory filling of ground lamb, aromatic spices, and sweet apples. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly fall and winter evenings. Enjoy it on a cozy night in or serve it at your next gathering to impress your friends and family with a taste they won't soon forget.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
1 large (halved and seeds removed)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
yellow onion
1 medium (peeled and diced)
tart apple
1 large (cored and diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
curry powder
2 teaspoons (good quality)
ground lamb
1 lb (raw)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half from stem to tip using a sharp knife, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon; set them aside for now.
3
In a heavy, non-reactive skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
4
While the onion cooks, use a corer or peeling tool to core and slice the apple, then dice it into small, uniform pieces.
5
Add the diced apple, minced garlic, and curry powder to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 3 more minutes, until the apple softens and the curry becomes fragrant.
6
Next, add the ground lamb to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat and stir well, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Sprinkle in the cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, and salt; mix everything until well-combined.
8
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
9
Pack the lamb mixture into the hollowed-out acorn squash halves, pressing down to fill generously.
10
Place the stuffed squash in a baking dish just large enough to hold them upright and pour in boiling water to cover the bottom of the dish by about an inch.
11
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil for oven baking or wrap with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring ventilation with two small slits.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or microwave at 70% power for approximately 25 minutes, until the squash flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
13
Carefully remove from the oven or microwave, let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curry-Spiced Lamb-Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a savory fall dish combining tender acorn squash with a filling of ground lamb, aromatic curry spices, and tart apples, inspired by Indiana's Amish country.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of ground lamb, diced tart apples, yellow onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, and heavy whipping cream.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for stuffing?
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half from stem to tip and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before filling.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I cook this recipe in a microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the stuffed squash at 70% power for approximately 25 minutes until the flesh is tender.
How long does it take to bake the squash in the oven?
It takes approximately 1 hour in a preheated oven.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including lamb, squash, and spices, are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
A large tart apple is recommended to balance the savory lamb and curry spices.
What is the purpose of adding water to the baking dish?
Boiling water is added to the bottom of the dish to create steam, which helps keep the squash moist and tender while baking.
How do I know when the stuffed squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when the flesh is easily pierced with a fork.
Do I need to cook the lamb before stuffing it into the squash?
Yes, the ground lamb should be browned in a skillet with the onions, apples, and spices before being packed into the squash.
What role does the heavy whipping cream play?
The heavy whipping cream is simmered with the lamb mixture to thicken the filling and add a rich, creamy texture.
Can I substitute the ground lamb with another meat?
While lamb provides a distinct flavor, you could substitute it with ground beef or ground turkey if preferred.
What should I do with the squash seeds?
The recipe suggests setting them aside; they can be cleaned and roasted for a crunchy snack.
What spices are used to flavor the lamb?
The dish is flavored with curry powder, whole cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, and salt.
How do I prepare the apples for the filling?
The apples should be cored, sliced, and then diced into small, uniform pieces.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil for oven baking or ventilated plastic wrap for microwaving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses one large acorn squash, which typically provides two generous servings when halved.
Can I use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds?
Yes, though whole seeds provide a different texture and burst of flavor, ground cumin can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent the squash from tipping over in the baking dish?
Use a baking dish just large enough to hold the squash halves upright and snug.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a warm heat from the curry powder and cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is featured in the 'Apple Companion' cookbook and inspired by the rustic charm of Indiana's Amish country.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
How should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions in melted butter first, then add the diced apple, garlic, and curry powder.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While designed for acorn squash, other small winter squashes like buttercup or delicata could also work.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the diced onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium yellow onion.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it calls for one teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the lamb filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff and bake the squash.
Should the lamb be raw when added to the skillet?
Yes, start with 1 lb of raw ground lamb and cook it in the skillet until browned.