Delicata Squash is a type of heirloom squash that
has thin pale yellow skin with dark green or orange stripes, and bright orange
flesh inside.
Its sweet flavor is similar to butternut or acorn squash, with a slightly nuttier taste.
Some people may not have ever eaten this variety of squash. Rest assured, Delicata tastes sublime and is cost efficient.
Quinoa Stuffed Vegan Delicata Squash with tofu, garlic, and
herbs makes for a pretty presentation on any holiday table, or whenever you
fancy a flavorful, filling meal!
Ingredients:
2
Delicata Squash
1 ½ cups quinoa (any variety you like) cooked according to
package directions
6-8 oz. cooked tofu cubed, sliced, or mashed
3-4 garlic cloves minced fine (sauté for a few minutes in 1 teaspoon olive oil to brown)
½ cup fresh minced parsley or other fresh herb you enjoy
1 ½ teaspoon salt free Italian seasoning blend
2 Tablespoons orange juice or more to taste
What to do:
1.Pre-heat
your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Wash outside of the Delicata squash thoroughly. Cut off the tough part on the ends, cut squash in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds and pulp with a fork.
Prepping the squash in this way hollows out a cavity for the filling. You may discard
the seeds or clean them to roast for later use.
3. Place
Delicata halves face up in a roasting pan or sheet pan and roast for at least
30 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce the peel. If shells seems too dry, add a drop or two of water to each.
4. While Delicata is roasting, prepare quinoa according to package directions (15-20 minutes).
Quinoa Needs to be Rinsed Before Cooking It |
Although quinoa is a seed, it is prepared like a grain. It’s
a complete protein, full of fiber and a good source of calcium, magnesium, and
iron, making it a great alternative to grains. And it’s gluten free.
5. Combine stuffing ingredients including cooked quinoa, tofu pieces, minced garlic, seasonings, and orange juice.
6. Scoop
stuffing mixture into cooked Delicata shells, and heat in the oven for
another 10 minutes, or until it’s hot, browned, and fork tender.
Serve as a festive main dish with a tossed salad or other cooked veggies.
Roasted Quinoa Stuffed Vegan Delicata Squash with Sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts |
You may want to cook squash and quinoa one day in advance. If you do, don't put stuffing in the squash, but keep each part of the dish in containers that are refrigerated.
Fill the cooked Delicata shells with stuffing the day of your planned lunch or dinner, and heat.
This recipe serves four hearty eaters.
If you want to stretch the recipe or have a small appetite, cut squash halves in half.
Serve each chunk atop a crunchy green salad. It will serve 8 for lunch or brunch this way.
Shop and eat Delicata Squash in the fall and winter (in-season) or plant and grow some in your home garden.
Eat Delicata for its flavor, eye-appeal, health benefits, and ease of preparation. 🌟
Please comment below in the comment section. I'd love to know if my recipe sounds intriguing to you.
Did you learn something new from this recipe post? Does it validate or reinforce things that you already do to enhance a healthy lifestyle and how or why?
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