Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pistachios

stuffed acorn squash

This week a recipe with one of the winter squash varieties, the Acorn squash. This small squash maybe difficult to cut due to it’s hard skin, you’ll need a good sharp knife and a steady and strong hand. Like any other squash variety you can bake it in the oven and use it as a main dish, or you can boil it to make a lovely winter soup, add it to a risotto, or even grate it very finely to make a cold pressed salad.

Found in Martha Stewart’s website this recipe can make a light diner on a cold winter day or used as inspiration to make the best of that leftover rice, quinoa, or any other grain that you might have in your fridge.

Ingredients

  • 4 small acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
  • Pinch red-pepper flakes

Preparation method

  1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Brush squash with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast cut side down on two baking sheets until tender and caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, bring quinoa and 2 cups water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then fluff with a fork. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, parsley, feta, pistachios, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, and vinegar. Season with salt and red-pepper flakes. Divide filling among squash.