Spiced Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Acorn Squash
This vibrant and nutritious dish combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted acorn squash with a hearty stuffing made from fluffy quinoa and colorful mixed vegetables. Seasoned with a hint of chili powder and enriched with margarine for creaminess, this recipe results in a satisfying one-dish meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Packed with protein, fiber, and a medley of vitamins, this stuffed acorn squash makes eating healthy both delightful and delicious!
2
Servings
225
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
1 (halved)
Quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
Water
1.5 cups (for cooking quinoa)
Mixed Vegetables
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
Margarine
1 teaspoon (for mixing)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut-side down in a baking dish filled with about an inch of water.
3
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4
While the squash is baking, combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
5
Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and fluff with a fork.
6
In a microwave-safe dish, add the mixed vegetables and sprinkle with a little water. Cover and microwave for 1 minute to steam them.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed mixed vegetables, margarine, and chili powder. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
8
After baking, carefully turn the acorn squash halves over and fill each half with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, mounding it slightly.
9
Place the stuffed squash back into the original baking dish, cover with foil, and return to the oven for another 40 minutes.
10
Once finished, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Spiced Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Acorn Squash, which features roasted acorn squash halves filled with a seasoned quinoa and vegetable mixture.
Is this stuffed acorn squash recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses quinoa, vegetables, and margarine for the stuffing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many calories are in one serving of this stuffed squash?
Each serving contains 225 calories.
What are the key ingredients for the stuffing?
The stuffing consists of quinoa, mixed vegetables, margarine, and chili powder.
How do you prepare the acorn squash for the initial bake?
Slice the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves cut-side down in a baking dish with about an inch of water.
How long do you roast the squash before adding the filling?
The squash should bake for 30 minutes, or until it is tender, before being filled.
What is the ratio of quinoa to water for cooking?
Use 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to 1.5 cups of water.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa should simmer covered for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
How should the mixed vegetables be prepared?
Place the mixed vegetables in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, cover, and microwave for 1 minute to steam them.
What seasoning provides the spice in this recipe?
Chili powder is used to season the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen mixed vegetables.
How long do you bake the squash once it has been stuffed?
The stuffed squash should be covered with foil and baked for an additional 40 minutes.
What is the total baking time for this recipe?
The total baking time is 70 minutes: 30 minutes for the plain squash and 40 minutes for the stuffed squash.
How much fiber is in a serving of this dish?
There are 6 grams of fiber per serving.
What amount of protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 7.5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe high in fat?
No, this recipe is relatively low in fat, with only 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Does the quinoa need to be rinsed?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1 cup of rinsed quinoa.
What type of meal is this dish categorized as?
It is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal'.
What should I do with the quinoa after it is cooked?
Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and fluff it with a fork.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it has a vegan option tag; ensuring your margarine is plant-based makes the recipe fully vegan.
What is the purpose of adding margarine to the filling?
Margarine is added to enrich the quinoa and vegetable mixture with creaminess.
How should the squash be positioned in the dish for the second bake?
The squash should be turned over (cut-side up) and filled with the quinoa mixture.
What are some of the suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include stuffed squash, quinoa recipe, vegetarian, nutritious, and hearty.
Is this a good recipe for the autumn season?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'fall recipe', making it perfect for the autumn season.
How do I know when the squash is ready during the first stage of baking?
The squash is ready when it is tender after approximately 30 minutes of baking.
Do I need to cover the dish when baking the stuffed squash?
Yes, you should cover the baking dish with foil for the final 40 minutes of baking.
How should the dish be served?
Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving it as a hearty meal.