Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
- 2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well
- 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
- Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds.
- Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
- Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup.
- Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
- Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
- Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes.
- Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.
- Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Per serving: Calories: 450; Fat: 17 g (Saturated: 2.5 g); Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 770 mg; Carbohydrate: 70 g; Fiber: 9 g; Protein: 10 g; Sugar: 19 g
- Cook's Note: The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated.
- To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.
acorn, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, onion, red quinoa, curry powder, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cranberries, parsley, pistachios
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/vegan-quinoa-cranberry-stuffed-acorn-squash.html (may not work)