Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing

Name: Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 medium acorn squash (about 1 1/2 pounds each), halved lengthwise and seeds removed; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar; 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 medium shallots, finely chopped; 4 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves; 2 cups cooked wild rice mix; 2/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

Vegetarian Side Dish Squash Christmas Thanksgiving Roasting Dinner Party Gluten Free Healthy Pecans Acorn Squash Winter Squash Make Ahead Holidays Weeknight Dinner Fall Winter Comfort Food Main Dish Easy

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6 servings Easy

Total: 1 hr 20 mins Active: 20 mins

33 Ratings

Ingredients (12)

3 medium acorn squash (about 1 1/2 pounds each), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
2 cups cooked wild rice mix
2/3 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

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Nutritional Information

Calories367
Fat14.37g
Saturated fat4.46g
Trans fat0.23g
Carbs60.52g
Fiber8.88g
Sugar8.7g
Protein6.85g
Cholesterol15.27mg
Sodium355.77mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by

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Fall’s quintessential vegetable, roasted acorn squash can do double duty when filled with a hearty mixture of wild rice, pecans, and cranberries. It can stand in as a substantial side, or star at the center of the plate. For pointers on safely splitting open hard squash, check out this video tip. The wild rice mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead; keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. And you can assemble the filling up to 6 hours ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge till you’re ready to stuff.

This recipe was featured as part of our Fall Ingredients photo gallery.

For more winter squash inspiration, check out our Basic Roasted Acorn Squash, Roasted Spaghetti Squash, and Roasted Butternut Squash and Pears.

by Aida Mollenkamp

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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Instructions

1Heat the oven to 450°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet, brush 1 tablespoon of the melted butter over the tops and insides of the squash halves, sprinkle with the brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until just fork tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
3Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of the melted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it foams, add the onion, shallots, and celery, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the thyme and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute.
4Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, pecans, cranberries, and measured salt and pepper.
5Divide the rice filling among the roasted squash halves (about 1/2 cup for each) and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of butter over top. Continue roasting until the squash is completely fork tender, the edges have started to brown, and the filling is heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Wine Pairing

2014 Azur Solace Rose

The 2014 Azur Solace Rose is bright and refreshing with a crisp fruitiness, this wine cools the palate nicely while lifting the bold flavors.
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