Ingredients
– 4 medium-sized squash (such as acorn or butternut)
– 1 cup quinoa or rice (cooked)
– 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 bell pepper (diced)
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
Creating stuffed squash can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. Cook Filling: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stuff Squash: Remove the squash from the oven and carefully flip them cut-side up. Fill each half with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of the stuffed squash.
9. Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
These steps will guide you in creating this amazing dish effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g