quinoa stuffed acorn squash

More Squash!! Now, as you may know from my previous squash posts (a quick guide to squash, and how to cook squash), I'm not a huge fan of squash cooked by itself. Squash soup is the best, and I have a spaghetti squash salad recipe that is super yummy, but I'm still learning to like just eating it plain. However.....if you stuff a roasted squash with quinoa and veggies, then I'm all aboard. I fell in love with how gorgeous this looked, and how easy it was to make! I think these would make wonderful side dishes (if you use smaller squash), or they can be a delicious meal for meatless Monday!

Jordyn and I came up with this recipe after seeing stuffed squash pop up on pinterest and tumblr, and knew we had to give it a whirl. I'm so glad we did! I like my squash mixed in with other things, and these were so good. We added peppers and zucchini to our quinoa, but you could definitely mix it up with whatever you have in your fridge!

q u i n o a s t u f f e d a c o r n s q u a s h
[recipe by: kelsey & jordyn]

ingredients:

1 acorn squash (medium size)

oil for roasting squash (doesn't matter what kind)

2 cups cooked quinoa

oil (for sauteing)

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1/2 white onion

2/3 cup chopped pepper

1/2 cup chopped zucchini

1 tsp oregano

1/8 tsp cayenne

1/8 tsp cumin

salt and pepper to taste

*optional: cheese for topping

directions:

1) First, halve your squash, scoop out the insides, brush with a bit of oil, salt and pepper it a bit, and then place face down on a baking sheet. Roast at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, then turn face up and roast for another 5 minutes. (for more thorough instructions, see my "how to cook squash" post).

2) As your squash is cooking, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients. This is a good time to cook your quinoa!

3) In a large frying pan, sautee your garlic in a bit of oil, until golden, then add your onions and cook until they brown as well, stirring constantly.

4) Add in your chopped pepper and zucchini, and cook on a low heat until both are done. (Add more oil if necessary)

5) Stir in spices, and reduce heat.

6) When your squash is done, remove from oven, and spoon the quinoa mixture into each half.

7) Optional: Grate a bit of cheese over each squash and return to the oven to broil just until cheese has melted. Serve hot!