Sides

Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash

Makes 4 servings

Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash

Makes 4 servings

Not only are the flavors rich and delicious,

but the varying textures in this dish stand out at any dinner table.

Nutritional information per serving:Calories 388 (16% from fat)
carb. 72g
pro. 11g
fat 8g
sat. fat 1g
chol. 14mg
sod. 618mg
calc. 108mg
fiber 8g

Ingredients

  • 2acorn squashes (about 1¼ to 2 pounds each), halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 2½ teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1small to medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 1cup Israeli (pearl) couscous
  • 1cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2¼cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • ½cup chopped, dried apricots
  • ¼cup shelled pistachios, toasted

Preparation

  1. 1. Adjust the rack to position 2. Set the oven to Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
  2. 2. Line the baking pan with foil and put the squash halves, cut side up, on top. Brush the inside of each squash with oil, about ½ teaspoon per half, and sprinkle each with salt and pepper, about a pinch per half. Bake in the preheated oven for the allotted time, or until the flesh of the squash is just fork tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. While squash is baking, put the remaining olive oil in a sauté pan set over medium heat. Once hot, add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the couscous, chickpeas, cumin, cinnamon and remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes to toast the couscous. Add the broth and increase heat to bring the liquid to a strong simmer. Once simmering, cook partially covered, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes, until almost all the liquid is absorbed by the couscous and the filling has a creamy consistency. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the apricots and pistachios and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. 4. Evenly divide the couscous mixture among the squash halves. Return squash to the oven and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until just golden on top.