Hearty Quinoa & Black-Eyed Peas Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Hearty Quinoa & Black-Eyed Peas Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful and nutritious one-dish meal that's perfect for the fall season. The sweet, roasted acorn squash halves are generously filled with a colorful and savory quinoa mixture, packed with black-eyed peas, fresh herbs, and crunchy sunflower seeds. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also provides a hearty dose of protein and fiber, ensuring you feel satisfied with every bite. Share this wholesome recipe with friends and family for a cozy, comforting meal that celebrates the flavors of the harvest!
4
Servings
210
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked quinoa
2 cups (leftover, cooked)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for mixing)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
acorn squash
2 medium (halved and seeded)
black-eyed peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
organic sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (dry, pan roasted)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely diced)
celery
1/4 cup (finely diced)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
soy sauce
2 teaspoons (optional, for seasoning)
oil
1 tablespoon (for oiling the squash skin)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, minced parsley, minced garlic, drained black-eyed peas, roasted sunflower seeds, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and soy sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Prepare the acorn squash halves by lightly oiling the skin using a tablespoon of oil, which will help prevent splitting during baking.
4
Stuff each acorn squash half with the prepared quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
5
Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice over each stuffed squash for an added burst of flavor.
6
Arrange the stuffed acorn squashes on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. As an alternative, you can steam the squash for 45 minutes if preferred.
8
Serve warm and enjoy this wholesome, nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
33g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Quinoa & Black-Eyed Peas Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a nutritious one-dish meal featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, black-eyed peas, fresh herbs, and sunflower seeds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Is this stuffed acorn squash recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian and plant-based recipe that uses wholesome, meat-free ingredients.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
This dish provides 8.5g of protein per serving.
What is the dietary fiber content?
There are 6g of dietary fiber per serving in this recipe.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the squash need to bake?
The stuffed squash needs to bake for about 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I steam the acorn squash instead of baking it?
Yes, as an alternative to baking, you can steam the squash for 45 minutes if preferred.
How many acorn squashes do I need?
You will need 2 medium acorn squashes, which are halved and seeded for the recipe.
Should the quinoa be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of already cooked quinoa.
What type of seeds are used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of dry, pan-roasted organic sunflower seeds.
How do I prepare the black-eyed peas?
You should use one 15-ounce can of black-eyed peas that has been thoroughly drained and rinsed.
What fresh vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes finely diced red bell pepper and finely diced celery.
Why do I need to oil the skin of the acorn squash?
Lightly oiling the skin with a tablespoon of oil helps prevent it from splitting during the baking process.
How much garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is soy sauce required for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, but it is listed as optional for seasoning.
What herbs are used to flavor the dish?
Fresh parsley, minced, is used to provide an herbal flavor to the quinoa mixture.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 33g of carbohydrates.
Should I cover the squash while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the stuffed squashes with aluminum foil to help retain moisture while baking.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Lemon juice is mixed into the quinoa filling, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon is drizzled over each stuffed squash before baking.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect meal for the fall season and harvest celebrations.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the best way to pack the stuffing into the squash?
You should press down gently on the quinoa mixture to pack it firmly into each acorn squash half.
Is there olive oil in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil specifically for mixing with the filling ingredients.
What category of meal does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal'.
Can I use pan-roasted sunflower seeds?
Yes, the recipe calls for pan-roasted organic sunflower seeds to add a crunchy texture.
How should the dish be served?
It is recommended to serve this meal warm for the best experience.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high-protein, plant-based meal.