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Cozy Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

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A comforting and healthy winter meal featuring roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory wild rice mixture, sautéed vegetables, nuts, and cranberries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup wild rice blend (dry)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Carefully cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pulp with a spoon.
  3. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 30-40 minutes until flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. While squash roasts, rinse wild rice. In a saucepan, combine rice and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender.
  6. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, walnuts, cranberries, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Remove squash from oven and flip cut-side up. Spoon filling generously into each half.
  9. Return stuffed squash to oven for 10-15 minutes until filling is heated through.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

Notes

If the squash is too hard to cut, microwave it for 2 minutes first to soften the skin. Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor. Ensure broth and rice are certified gluten-free if needed. Do not freeze the roasted squash halves as they become mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, wild rice, stuffed squash, healthy dinner, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, comfort food, winter recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/cozy-stuffed-acorn-squash-with-wild-rice-5-best-easy-tips/