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Irresistible Roasted Acorn Squash Boats Recipe for Fall

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Sweet, nutty, and comforting, these roasted acorn squash boats with quinoa and cranberries are the ultimate autumn dish, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium-sized acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional: butter or vegan butter for extra richness

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
  3. Brush the insides of each squash half with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. While the squash is roasting, prepare the quinoa. If not already cooked, rinse ½ cup of quinoa under cold water, then combine it with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, chopped parsley, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Once the squash is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and carefully flip each half over. Spoon the quinoa mixture evenly into the cavities of the squash halves.
  8. Optional: Add a small pat of butter or vegan butter on top of the quinoa filling for extra richness.
  9. Return the squash to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the edges of the squash are golden.
  10. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish, and serve warm.

Notes

Choose acorn squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep green color. Toast the walnuts for added flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and experiment with ingredient swaps like pomegranate seeds or chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, quinoa, cranberries, fall recipe, vegetarian, healthy, gluten-free, roasted squash, autumn dish

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/irresistible-roasted-acorn-squash-boats-recipe-for-fall/