ROASTED ACORN SQUASH- V/GF

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ROASTED ACORN SQUASH (GF Vegetarian)

Yield: 4

Author: ROOT Mindful Nutrition

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 1 Hour

For Thanksgiving this year I developed a recipe that reuses most staples of this festive season's ingredients, while remaining true to my mission: creating delicious and nutritious meals using "real food". Wholesome ingredients that promote more vibrant health, turned into a beautiful plate that will leave your guests wanting more.

This roasted acorn squash recipe stuffed with quinoa, cranberry, goat cheese, and candied pecans is a festive and creative vegetarian centerpiece, perfect for Thanksgiving. It combines the warm, nutty sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the vibrant tartness of cranberries and the creamy tang of goat cheese. The candied pecans add a delightful crunch and a touch of caramelized magic, while the fresh herbs brighten every bite. Finished with a luscious candied pecan dressing, reusing most ingredients already on the table, this dish brings together cozy autumn flavors and beautiful textures—ideal for sharing with family and friends around the holiday table.

Did I mention easy to make?

Follow me through this step by step guide. A recipe that will not take you more than one hour.

Ingredients

THE ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

• 1 small ACORN SQUASH
• 2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
• 1 Tbsp MAPLE SYRUP
• 1 tsp SEA SALT
• 1 tsp PEPPER
• 2 THYME sprigs
• 1 tsp GARLIC POWDER (optional)

THE CANDIED PECANS

• 1 cup chopped RAW PECANS
• 2 tsp OLIVE OIL
• 1/2 tsp SEA SALT
• 1/2 tsp CINNAMON
• 1/2 tsp PAPRIKA
• 1 Tbsp MAPLE SYRUP

THE QUINOA STUFFING

• 1 cup QUINOA (1 1/2 cup WATER, salt and olive oil)
• 1 bunch FRESH HERBS (I like to mix parsley, mint and basil)
• 1/4 cup DRIED CRANBERRIES (unsweetened)
• 1/3 cup POMEGRANATE SEEDS
• 1/3 cup CANDIED PECANS
• 40g FRESH GOAT CHEESE (I used a honey&truffle infused cheese from whole foods- incredible!)

THE PECAN DRESSING

• 1/4 cup CANDIED PECANS
• 4 Tbsp WATER
• 2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
• 1 Tbsp APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
• 1 tsp DIJON MUSTARD
• 2 tsp MAPLE SYRUP
• pinch SEA SALT
• 1/2 SHALLOT (optional)

Instructions

ROAST THE ACORN SQUASH

1. Preheat oven on roasting mode (400F)
2. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise and drizzle olive oil, maple syrup sprinkle salt & pepper (& garlic powder if using). Massage with your hands and place face down on a baking sheet. Add a sprig of thyme underneath for more flavors.
3. Roast in oven for 40min until golden and tender. will be ready when the quinoa is ready for stuffing.

PREPARE THE QUINOA STUFFING

1. Cook quinoa as per package instructions (1cup grain for 11/2 liquid- 10'+10')
2. Meanwhile, chop herbs, cranberries, and crumble goat cheese.
3. When quinoa is cooked, you can add all other ingredients and combine.Taste and adjust with salt, pepper and olive oil.

MAKE CANDIED PECANS

1. Start heating up the raw pecans in a pan on medium heat. add salt, cinnamon, paprika and cayenne, and roast for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add maple syrup and continue roasting for 1-2 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and dispatch on a plate to cool down.

MAKE PECAN DRESSING

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth on high speed. Reserve.

PLATING

1. When squash is golden and tender, take it out of the oven and spoon in the quinoa stuffing mix. Be generous!
2. Gently cut each half in half and serve 4 plates. Drizzle a good amount of the nutty dressing over each squash quarter and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

714

Fat (grams)

46 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

6 g

Carbs (grams)

70 g

Fiber (grams)

10 g

Net carbs

60 g

Sugar (grams)

23 g

Protein (grams)

13 g

Sodium (milligrams)

1014 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

5 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information included as part of this recipe is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Although we’ve attempted to provide accurate data, this information is not a guarantee. Nutritional information was calculated with the help of online calculators. Varying factors such as product types and the way the ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.

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