Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Acorn Squash

Reader Contribution by Taylor Nutting
article image

This hearty dish has all the health benefits of acorn squash, rich in Vitamin C, Potassium and Magnesium, and all the warm scents of fall or winter, with a touch of exotic flare. This will leave you satisfied, and your home smelling wonderful. It’s also gluten free, and easily adapted to vegan dietary preferences.

 

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Serves: 4 to 5 people

Ingredients:

• 4 servings cooked brown rice *prepare beforehand
• 2 acorn squash
• 1 pound grass-fed beef
• 1 large onion
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large bell pepper or equivalent
• Spices to taste: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon curry, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, dash of cayenne pepper, dash of cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries

Instructions:

1. Prepare rice.

2. Cut squash in half with checkered slices and de-seed. Then roast for 30 to 40 minutes.

3. While squash is cooking, brown ground beef. Add onions and garlic, to brown; peppers and any other vegetables; salt and spices; until fragrant; and raisins last.

4. Combine beef mixture and rice, then add more spices or salt if needed.

5. When squash is cooked and tender, add a heaping ladle-ful of beef and rice mixture to the hollow of the squash. It’s okay if some spills out—it adds to the charm!

6. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Variations:

• Chop up an apple, sauté with onions and peppers

• Add more vegetables: peas, carrots, spinach

• Add some nuts: toasted pine nuts or pistachios add a nice nutty flair

• Mix up the meat: Make with sausage, chicken or bits of bacon

• Chop up squash and mix together with other ingredients for a “one-pot” meal


Recipe by Taylor Nutting, an editorial assistant at Mother Earth Living and cooking experiment enthusiast who loves to try new ways to live a healthy and happy life.

  • Published on Nov 10, 2014
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!