Savory Apple-Curry Stuffed Acorn Squash
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Savory Apple-Curry Stuffed Acorn Squash. This warm and hearty dish features sweet roasted acorn squash halves filled with a fragrant mixture of ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from applesauce and raisin bread. It's the perfect balance of savory and sweet, offering a nourishing meal for two, ideal for cozy evenings. Paired with a warm drink or a simple salad, this dish will fill your home with comforting aromas and satisfy your seasonal cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
1 (Cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed)
ground turkey
6 ounces (Cooked until browned)
celery
1/4 cup (Chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
curry powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (To taste)
raisin bread
1 slice (Cubed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 10x6-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2
Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until tender.
3
While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped celery, and onion, cooking while stirring frequently until the turkey is browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4
Season the cooked turkey mixture with salt, cinnamon, and curry powder, cooking for an additional minute while stirring to incorporate the spices evenly.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the unsweetened applesauce and cubed raisin bread until well combined.
6
Once the squash is done baking, carefully turn each half over. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each squash half, filling them generously.
7
Return the filled squash to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Serve immediately, savoring every bite of this wonderfully aromatic and nutritious dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple-Curry Stuffed Acorn Squash?
It is a hearty fall dish featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with a fragrant mixture of ground turkey, celery, onion, applesauce, and raisin bread.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve two people.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before placing it in the baking dish.
How long should the squash bake initially?
The squash should bake for 50 minutes or until it is tender.
What vegetables are needed for the filling?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped celery and 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The dish is seasoned with salt, ground cinnamon, and curry powder.
How long does it take to cook the turkey filling?
The ground turkey, celery, and onion should be cooked for about 8 minutes until the turkey is browned and crumbly.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after the turkey and vegetables have finished browning.
What kind of applesauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
What type of bread is used for the stuffing?
One slice of raisin bread, cubed, is used to add texture and sweetness to the filling.
How do I prepare the raisin bread?
The raisin bread should be cut into small cubes before being stirred into the turkey mixture.
How long is the final bake once the squash is stuffed?
Bake the filled squash for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or additional hearty vegetables.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free raisin bread alternative.
What is the total baking time for this dish?
The total baking time is approximately 70 minutes (50 minutes for the squash alone and 20 minutes once stuffed).
What is the flavor profile of the dish?
It is a balance of savory and sweet, featuring aromatic curry and cinnamon with the sweetness of apples and raisins.
What should I serve with the stuffed squash?
It pairs well with a simple side salad or a warm seasonal drink.
How much ground turkey is required?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of ground turkey.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While acorn squash is recommended, you could use butternut or delicata squash, though cooking times may vary.
Do I bake the squash cut side up or down first?
Initially, place the squash halves cut side down in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 10x6-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before starting.
How much cinnamon is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder.
When should the spices be added to the turkey?
Add the salt, cinnamon, and curry powder after the turkey is browned and continue cooking for one minute.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.
How much celery do I need?
You need 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
When should I serve the stuffed squash?
It should be served immediately after the final 20-minute bake for the best flavor.