Savory Spiced Acorn Squash with Apple-Raisin Filling
Elevate your autumn dining experience with this delightful Savory Spiced Acorn Squash recipe. The luscious, naturally sweet acorn squash serves as the perfect vessel for a hearty filling of brown rice, tangy granny smith apple, and a touch of comforting spices. Enhanced with the warmth of curry and coriander, along with a hint of heat from cayenne, this dish promises a balance of flavors without any added sugars. Finished off with juicy raisins for sweetness and a creamy layer of low-fat cottage cheese, this recipe offers a nutritious and satisfying option for any meal. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of fall harvest vegetables, this dish will impress your family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn squash
2 (Cut in half, seeded)
Cooked brown rice
1 cup (Cooked)
Whole grain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Soft)
Low-fat cottage cheese
2/3 cup (No preparation needed)
Raisins
1/4 cup (No preparation needed)
Granny Smith apple
1 medium (Diced)
Onion
1/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1/16 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Curry powder
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Apple juice concentrate
3 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Apple juice concentrate
4 teaspoons (Reserved for topping)
Coriander
1 pinch (Reserved for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the acorn squash in half and remove the seeds. Place the squash halves, cavity side down, in a 9x13-inch baking pan filled with 1/2 inch of water.
3
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4
While the squash is baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, soft whole grain breadcrumbs, low-fat cottage cheese, raisins, finely chopped onion, and the diced granny smith apple.
5
Add the curry powder, coriander, cayenne pepper (to taste), and 3 tablespoons of apple juice concentrate to the mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Once the squash is finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven and flip the halves over to expose the cavities.
7
Generously stuff each acorn squash half with the prepared filling.
8
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of apple juice concentrate over the top of each stuffed squash, then sprinkle a pinch of coriander on top for garnish.
9
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through and the tops are lightly golden brown.
10
Serve warm as a hearty side dish or a main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Spiced Acorn Squash with Apple-Raisin Filling?
It is a nutritious, vegetarian autumn dish featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with a blend of brown rice, Granny Smith apples, raisins, and cottage cheese, seasoned with curry and coriander.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients along with low-fat cottage cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for both the initial roasting and the final baking.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Cut the acorn squash in half, remove the seeds, and place them cavity-side down in a 9x13-inch baking pan with 1/2 inch of water.
How long does the squash need to bake before being stuffed?
The squash should be baked for approximately 30 minutes, or until it is tender when pierced with a fork.
What are the main ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of cooked brown rice, soft whole grain breadcrumbs, low-fat cottage cheese, raisins, onion, and diced Granny Smith apple.
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
A medium Granny Smith apple is recommended for its tart flavor and firm texture.
Does this recipe contain added refined sugar?
No, the sweetness in this recipe comes naturally from the raisins and apple juice concentrate, making it a sugar-conscious choice.
What spices give this dish its savory flavor?
The dish is seasoned with curry powder, coriander, and a hint of cayenne pepper.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/16 teaspoon, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste preference.
What is the purpose of the apple juice concentrate?
Apple juice concentrate is used both in the filling for moisture and sweetness, and drizzled on top to help with glazing.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 9x13-inch baking pan is perfect for holding the squash halves and the water needed for steaming.
Do I need to cook the onion before adding it to the filling?
No, the onion should be finely chopped and mixed directly into the filling; it will soften during the final baking process.
How do I garnish the stuffed squash?
Garnish each half with a drizzle of apple juice concentrate and a pinch of coriander before the final bake.
How long is the final baking time?
Once stuffed, bake the squash for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, due to the filling of rice, cheese, and breadcrumbs, it is hearty enough to be served as a vegetarian main course.
How many acorn squashes does the recipe use?
The recipe uses 2 acorn squashes, which results in 4 stuffed halves.
What type of rice is used?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of cooked brown rice for added fiber and a nutty texture.
Can I use hard breadcrumbs instead of soft?
The recipe calls for soft whole grain breadcrumbs to keep the filling moist, but you can use dry ones if needed, though the texture may vary.
Is the cottage cheese required?
Cottage cheese provides creaminess and protein; however, you could experiment with a vegan substitute if you are avoiding dairy.
How do I know the squash is fully cooked?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and the filling is heated through.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the curry and a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your liking.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the filling ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until the squash is ready for stuffing.
How much water goes in the baking pan?
Add approximately 1/2 inch of water to the pan to steam the squash while it bakes.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
Key tags include acorn squash, vegetarian, stuffed, healthy, fall recipes, apple, and curry.
Should I peel the squash?
No, the skin of the acorn squash acts as a bowl for the filling. While the skin is edible, most people scoop the flesh out of the skin.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a balance of savory spices (curry, coriander), tartness (Granny Smith apple), and subtle sweetness (raisins).
Can I use a different type of squash?
While designed for acorn squash, this filling would also work well in small butternut or carnival squashes.
Is the cottage cheese low-fat?
The recipe recommends using 2/3 cup of low-fat cottage cheese.
Can this recipe be made for a holiday dinner?
Absolutely, its rich fall flavors and impressive presentation make it a great choice for Thanksgiving or other autumn gatherings.