Quinoa & Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
Quinoa is one whole grain that’s getting more and more well known. And no wonder! Ounce for ounce, it packs a bigger protein punch than most other whole grains. Serve with a large green salad and you have all your bases covered— fruit, vegetable, grain, fiber, greens, protein, and complex carbohydrates. If blood oranges aren’t available in your area, use tangerines.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup quinoa
2 scallions
1 celery stalk
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ cup dried cranberries
2 dried apricots
½ blood orange
2 acorn squash
¼ cup walnuts
Directions:
Position the rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350F/180C. Lightly oil a large, lipped baking sheet.
With a large knife, safely cut the squash in half lengthwise. It may help to cut the stem off first. Place the squash with the cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the quinoa. Add quinoa to a pot with a lid. You will need twice as much water as quinoa. Add water to the pan, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is soft. Check on the quinoa periodically, giving it a quick stir, to prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom. When done, remove from the heat, fluff with a fork, and enjoy! Looking for a faster option? Cook your quinoa in a rice cooker or just use pre-cooked/frozen quinoa.
Produce Prep- Rinse all the produce. Chop the scallions and celery.
Warm the oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the scallions and celery; cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the dried berries, nuts, dried apricots, and sage. Cook, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Add the quinoa, walnuts, blood orange juice (about 2 Tablespoons per acorn squash), salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking, stirring often, until hot, about 2 minutes. Cover and set aside off the heat to keep warm.
Transfer the cooked squash from the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Flip the squash over and transfer to a serving platter. Stuff the skillet mixture into the squash and serve.
