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Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash

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A vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetarian dish featuring roasted acorn squash stuffed with a flavorful quinoa and chickpea filling, enhanced with herbs, pine nuts, cranberries, and a touch of za’atar perfect for a cozy dinner or elegant side.

Ingredients

2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar, divided

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 cup water

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3–4 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon chives, chopped

1/4 cup mint, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush acorn squash halves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon za’atar. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked. Fluff with a fork.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, pine nuts, chickpeas, green onions, parsley, chives, mint, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, remaining 3/4 teaspoon za’atar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix until well combined.
  4. Spoon the quinoa mixture into the roasted acorn squash halves.
  5. Return stuffed squash to the oven for 10 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

Swap quinoa for couscous, bulgur, or farro.

Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

Use toasted almonds instead of pine nuts for a different crunch.

Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a creamy twist.

Add a drizzle of tahini or balsamic glaze for extra richness.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/mediterranean-stuffed-acorn-squash/