Vegan Sausage, Apple, and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
I can never resist a pretty squash! And acorn are one of the cutest in my opinion because of the fluted shape. Better than that though, they have really large seeds that are very easy to scoop out, so it’s a regular at my house for getting twice baked and served in its shell. This acorn squash bake recipe is protein packed with veggie sausage and quinoa stuffed inside.
Which is better for you acorn squash or butternut squash?
As with any deeply colored vegetable, acorn squash is rich in antioxidants, but comes out on top in many ways. It offers more folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium than butternut, hubbard, and spaghetti squash.
Yet, they each have their own recipes that they work best with, and they each have their own distinct pre-biotic fiber, so it’s more useful to think about enjoying a variety of squashes throughout the season.
Acorn squash has a sweet nutty flavor, so you could season it with a sweet or savory flavor. Ironically, however the flesh is both more fibrous and more watery than other squashes, so not that great for pies or as an ingredient in muffins or soups. To allow the excess moisture to evaporate, cook the squash cut side up to finish.
Stuffed acorn squash - Vegan recipe
This vegan sausage apple stuffed acorn squash recipe uses chopped seitan brat because that's what I had on hand, but it could use any kind of vegan crumbles.
This stuffed squash recipe also features quinoa, bringing a fluffier texture, along with another boost of protein and fiber, to fill out this all in one meal. While simple enough for everyday healthy dinner, a beautiful winter squash is the perfect side or vegan entree for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.
Mealtime conversation starters
Have you ever thought of a question as being beautiful? Years ago I read a book by Warren Berger called The Book of Beautiful Questions. Being curious and asking questions is very rewarding when you are trying to create deeper connections with other people.
Even if you are skilled at asking beautiful questions, it is always nice to have a few in your back pocket. Here is the question to pair with this recipe:
If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
Vegan Sausage, Apple, and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash halved, seeds scooped out
- ½ cup quinoa cooked
- 1 apple tart variety, diced
- 1 red onion diced
- 2 Field Roast Veggie Brat Italian or Apple-Sage flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cut squash in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds.
- Bake squash cut side down for 30-40 minutes, until just tender. (Line your baking dish or tray with parchment paper for easier cleanup.)
- Meanwhile, chop the apple and brat finely, then in a large bowl, mix with the quinoa and all remaining ingredients.
- When squashes are mostly baked but not totally soft, remove from oven and scoop out a little bit to make the cavity bigger. Mash that up and stir into the bowl of brat & apple quinoa stuffing, and pile the stuffing mixture back into the cavity (like a twice-baked potato).
- Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the squash is fully tender. Serve hot or warm, right from the shell.
Notes
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
When you look at the nutritional values of a meal to log what you are eating, that is called tracking macros. A lot of people use this method to reach their health goals.
Looking at hand portion size and using this method to gauge how and what you eat is also a great method to help you reach your health goals. Many people who use this method often think this form of tracking meals is easier and more sustainable for a lifetime.
Want to learn more about hand portion size and how to use it to reach your goals? Check out the article How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
Heather Lynn Darby helps office and tech professionals disrupt the cycle of chronic stress that undermines their health, and to recover from the negative effects of sitting at a computer all day. Find other articles written by Heather on her coach profile.
If you are largely sedentary at work and rely on your intellectual acumen for success, her take on body-mind interventions will help you find a balance between being "in the zone" and getting the amount of movement that will optimize your mental productivity and prevent health problems.
