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| cc: nourishingamy |
This vegetarian-friendly recipe offers a festive stuffed butternut squash filled with a hearty mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and aromatic herbs, creating a colorful and flavorful centerpiece.
ndulge in the flavors of the season with our Vegetarian Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries recipe. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a savory and wholesome quinoa stuffing, enhanced by the tartness of dried cranberries. It's a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner, offering a satisfying and festive option for vegetarian guests or anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based feast.
As you bring this dish to the table, the aroma of roasted butternut squash and fragrant spices fills the air, creating a sense of anticipation. The vibrant colors and textures of the dish are visually enticing, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Each bite of the Vegetarian Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tender and slightly sweet roasted squash pairs beautifully with the hearty and aromatic quinoa stuffing, while the burst of tartness from the cranberries adds a delightful tang. The combination is both satisfying and nourishing, making it a standout dish for your Christmas celebration.
This recipe is a celebration of the abundance of seasonal ingredients and the creativity of vegetarian cuisine. It offers a delicious and wholesome option that will impress your guests and leave them feeling satisfied and delighted. Enjoy the flavors of the season with this Vegetarian Stuffed Butternut Squash, a true centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 medium-sized butternut squash
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
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| cc: wellplated |
RECIPE
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
3. While the squash is roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, dried thyme, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the onion mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the roasted butternut squash from the oven. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh from each half, creating a hollow space for the stuffing. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for another use or add it to the quinoa mixture.
8. Fill each butternut squash half with the quinoa stuffing, pressing it down gently to ensure it fills the cavity. Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through.
9. Once the stuffed butternut squash is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
10. Serve the Vegetarian Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries as a delightful centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The combination of the tender roasted squash, flavorful quinoa stuffing, and the sweetness of the cranberries creates a satisfying and festive vegetarian dish that everyone will enjoy.
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs to the stuffing mixture, such as diced bell peppers or fresh sage, to suit your taste preferences.
Looking for more Christmas food ideas to make your holiday dinner extra special? From classic roasts to festive desserts, we have published countless Christmas recipes to choose from. Whether you're planning a traditional Christmas feast or looking to add a modern twist to your Christmas dinner, there's something for everyone. With the above Christmas dinner ideas, you're sure to create a memorable and delicious holiday spread for your loved ones to enjoy.
Here you go: Christmas Foods & Recipes