Savory Millet and Cottage Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash
This delightful dish features tender acorn squash filled with a hearty blend of nutty millet or quinoa, creamy cottage cheese, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection, each squash half is a beautiful presentation that bursts with flavor. Ideal for a wholesome dinner or as a stunning side dish for gatherings, this recipe is versatile enough to use any leftover stuffing by placing it in bell peppers. Enjoy it hot, or savor the flavors cold for a refreshing lunch option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
2 medium (cut in half, seeds removed)
millet or quinoa
1 cup (cooked, following instructions on packet)
egg white
1 (lightly beaten)
1% fat cottage cheese
1 cup
chives
1/4 cup (minced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
marjoram
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
to taste
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon
paprika
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Carefully slice a thin sliver off the bottom of each acorn squash half to create a stable base that can sit flat.
3
Arrange the squash halves cut side down in an ovenproof dish and pour in enough water to cover the bottom (about 1/2 inch).
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and steam the squash in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, flipping the halves after 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check for tenderness – they should be soft but not mushy.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked millet or quinoa, lightly beaten egg white, cottage cheese, minced chives, minced garlic, marjoram, and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
6
Carefully flip the squash halves over so the cut side is facing up.
7
Spoon the stuffing generously into each squash half, creating a rounded mound on top.
8
Return the stuffed squash to the baking dish, cut side up, and cover loosely with foil.
9
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until the stuffing is golden and slightly crispy on top.
10
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika for extra flavor and presentation before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of this recipe?
The primary base of this recipe is two medium-sized acorn squash halves which are steamed and then stuffed.
What grains are recommended for the stuffing?
The recipe recommends using either 1 cup of cooked millet or 1 cup of cooked quinoa for the stuffing.
How do I ensure the acorn squash sits flat on a plate?
Before cooking, carefully slice a thin sliver off the bottom of each squash half to create a stable, flat base.
What is the initial oven temperature for steaming the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the initial steaming phase of the squash.
How should the squash be positioned during the steaming process?
Arrange the squash halves cut side down in an ovenproof dish with about 1/2 inch of water.
How long does it take to steam the squash?
The squash should be steamed for about 45 minutes total, flipping the halves once after the first 30 minutes.
What type of cheese is used in the stuffing mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of 1% fat cottage cheese to be mixed into the stuffing.
What binding agent is used for the stuffing?
One lightly beaten egg white is used to help bind the millet or quinoa and cottage cheese mixture.
Which aromatics and herbs are included in the recipe?
The stuffing includes minced chives, minced garlic cloves, marjoram, and pepper to taste.
How do I fill the squash halves?
Spoon the stuffing mixture generously into each squash half, creating a rounded mound on top.
What temperature is used for the second stage of baking?
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) once the squash has been stuffed.
How long is the stuffed squash baked?
Bake the stuffed squash covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
How do I know when the stuffed squash is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the stuffing is golden and has become slightly crispy on the top.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Sprinkle the finished squash with 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and an optional dash of paprika.
Can I use the stuffing for other vegetables?
Yes, any leftover stuffing can be used to fill bell peppers for a different presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses grains, cheese, and eggs for the protein source.
Is the dish gluten-free?
Yes, both millet and quinoa are naturally gluten-free grains, making this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Absolutely; while delicious hot for dinner, the flavors are refreshing when served cold for lunch.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the optional paprika garnish.
Is this a good recipe for fall gatherings?
Yes, acorn squash is a seasonal fall favorite and the presentation makes it a stunning side dish for gatherings.
Do I need to peel the acorn squash?
No, the squash should be kept in its skin to hold its shape during steaming and stuffing.
What texture should the squash have before stuffing?
The squash should be soft and tender but not mushy after the initial steaming.
Can I use pre-cooked grains?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of grains that have already been cooked according to package instructions.
Why is the dish covered with foil initially?
The foil traps steam in the dish, which helps cook the squash evenly and keeps it moist.
Can I substitute other herbs for marjoram?
While marjoram is suggested, you could likely substitute similar herbs like oregano or thyme if preferred.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, because it contains vegetables, grains, and protein, it can serve as a complete one-dish meal.
What is the benefit of 1% cottage cheese in this recipe?
It provides a creamy texture and protein while keeping the overall fat content lower.
How do I prepare the garlic for the stuffing?
The two garlic cloves should be minced finely before being mixed with the other ingredients.
How much chive is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced chives.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
An ovenproof baking dish that is large enough to hold four squash halves is required.