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acorn squash

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Quinoa & Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

December 9, 2013

Quinoa Sausage Squash

Most Sunday’s result in me being over the whole “cooking thing,” despite the fact I love a great Sunday dinner.  But this past weekend I sucked it up and got to the kitchen and tried a recipe that has been on my mind for awhile.  The best part(s)?  It was quick, beautiful AND delicious.  And guess what – even J ate it (he usually see’s quinoa and runs).

It also was the perfect recipe to take for leftovers the next day!

Filled Acorn Squash

Quinoa & Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

Adapted from Bite by Michelle

  • 2 acorn squash, halved & seeded
  • 3/4 cup quinoa, cooked according to box’s directions (I used tricolor)
  • 4 links hot Italian turkey sausage, meat removed from links
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 10 fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1 Granny Apple, unpeeled & seeded & chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried Bing cherries
  • Freshly grated Parmesan
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt/Pepper
  1. Line baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Place squash halves cut side down (I rubbed them around in the olive oil to make sure they were coated well) and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium high heat (this is the first time I used my cast iron pan… eeeekkk!!) and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil.
  4. Once warm, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, sage and pecans. Saute for 10 minutes.
  5. Add sausage and break up with a spoon (I kept the veggies on one side of the pan and uncooked meat on the other). Once the pinkness is gone, stir the mixture together and remove from heat.
  6. Fold in cooked quinoa, apples and cherries and fill cooked squash halves with mixture.  Top with freshly grated Parmesan and be prepared to have your taste buds become EXTRA happy!

Cranberry Apple Quinoa filled Acorn Squash

*My tip is to chop everything finely and evenly.  It makes it look beautiful and makes the flavors really develop when you truly are getting a taste of each ingredient in every bite!

Bon appetit!