Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Kabocha Squash
This Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Kabocha Squash is a delightful main dish that combines the natural sweetness of kabocha with a hearty, protein-packed quinoa filling. Rich in beta carotene, vitamins, and minerals, kabocha squash is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits, including support for insulin production, making it a wonderful choice for diabetic-friendly diets. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or as a centerpiece for your festive gatherings, offering a vibrant presentation and a beautiful blend of flavors. Serve it warm, infused with love, and enjoy the comforting nourishment it brings. For more gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and pesco-vegetarian recipes, visit my blog at www.innerharmonynutrition.com.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Quinoa
1/2 cup (Rinsed)
Vegetable Stock Cube
1 (Dissolved in cooking water)
Kabocha Squash
1 (Hollowed out, top reserved)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Green or Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Mushrooms
5 (Stems removed and sliced)
Raisins
2 tablespoons (Added directly to mixture)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 1 cup of water, and a vegetable stock cube. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
2
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the kabocha squash by slicing off the top and scooping out the seeds with a spoon. Save the top for later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green or red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Once the quinoa is cooked, fold in the sautéed vegetables and raisins. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5
Stuff the quinoa mixture into the hollowed-out kabocha squash. Replace the top that was cut off to keep the filling warm while baking.
6
Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until the squash flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. For the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the squash top to allow the filling to brown slightly.
7
Once done, remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy this dish infused with love and good health!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Kabocha Squash?
It is a hearty, protein-packed main dish that combines the natural sweetness of kabocha squash with a savory quinoa and vegetable filling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is explicitly noted as being gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for individuals with diabetes?
Yes, it is a diabetic-friendly recipe that supports insulin production through the nutrients found in kabocha squash.
What are the nutritional benefits of kabocha squash?
Kabocha squash is rich in beta carotene, vitamins, and minerals.
How should I prepare the quinoa to avoid bitterness?
You should rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove any natural bitterness.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
How long does the stuffed squash need to bake?
The squash should bake for approximately 60 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
How do I prepare the squash for stuffing?
Slice off the top and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before hollowing it out.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing mixture?
The filling includes chopped onion, green or red bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, the recipe allows for either green or red bell peppers.
What do I do with the reserved squash top during baking?
Replace the top after stuffing to keep the filling warm, then remove it for the final 10 minutes of baking to brown the filling.
When are the raisins added to the recipe?
Raisins are folded into the cooked quinoa mixture along with the sautéed vegetables.
How many mushrooms are required for the filling?
The recipe uses 5 mushrooms with the stems removed and sliced.
How long should I sauté the onion and bell pepper?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
How can I tell if the kabocha squash is fully cooked?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is both vegetarian and pesco-vegetarian friendly.
How much quinoa is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of quinoa.
What liquid is used to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa is simmered in 1 cup of water with a vegetable stock cube.
What is the purpose of the vegetable stock cube?
It is used to infuse the quinoa with savory flavor during the boiling process.
Is this dish suitable for festive gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant presentation and blend of flavors make it a great centerpiece for festive meals.
How should the dish be served?
Once removed from the oven and cooled for a few minutes, it should be sliced and served warm.
Are the mushroom stems used in the recipe?
No, the instructions specify to remove the stems before slicing the mushrooms.
What seasonings are added to the vegetable mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How much bell pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped bell pepper.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 10 ingredients in total including seasonings.
How much onion should be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much water is needed to cook the quinoa?
One cup of water is required.
Where can I find more similar recipes?
More gluten-free and diabetic-friendly recipes can be found at www.innerharmonynutrition.com.
How many raisins are included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of raisins.