Acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling is a delicious and healthy vegetarian recipe that is perfect for the fall season. The recipe involves hollowing out acorn squash and stuffing it with a mixture of spiced Brazil nuts, bread crumbs, and other seasonings. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
To make acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Squash:
- 2 acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup Brazil nuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
The following are the steps to make acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the Squash
Cut each acorn squash in half and remove the seeds and pulp. Trim the bottoms if necessary to help them sit flat.
3. Prepare the Squash
Brush the inside of each squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the Squash
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly tender.
5. Make the Filling
Meanwhile, make the filling. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Spice Things Up
Add the chopped Brazil nuts, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts are fragrant and lightly toasted.
7. Add the Breadcrumbs
Add the fresh breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted and the filling mixture is heated through.
8. Finish the Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season the filling mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Assemble the Dish
Remove the squash from the oven and flip them over so they are cut-side up. Spoon the filling mixture into the cavities of each squash half.
10. Bake Until Done
Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and the squash is fully cooked.
11. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Conclusion
Acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling is a delicious and healthy vegetarian recipe that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adjusting the spices and seasonings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied all season long.
Valuable Tips when Making Acorn Squash with Spiced Brazil Nut Filling Recipes
Acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling is an excellent recipe for introducing healthy and nutritious vegetables into your diet. It provides a combination of flavors that you can enjoy while benefiting from the nutritional content. The following are valuable tips to keep in mind when making acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling recipes.
1. Selecting the Right Acorn Squash
When it comes to selecting the right acorn squash, ensure that you choose a fruit that is ripe with deep green color and feel weighty in your hand. A ripe acorn squash should be firm and free from any soft spots or blemishes. Remember to inspect the acorn squash before making your purchase to detect any insect damage signs such as small holes or black spots.
2. Ways to Prep the Acorn Squash
Prepping the acorn squash well will ensure that you get excellent results from the dish. Wash the acorn squash thoroughly and then cut off the stem using a sharp knife. Split the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using a spoon. You can also roast the squash for about 10-15 minutes before filling to make it tender and easy to scrape out seeds and fillings. Remember to brush the edges and inner side of the squash with oil to prevent it from sticking or drying out.
3. How to Make the Spiced Brazil Nut Filling
To make the spiced Brazil nut filling, you will need ground Brazil nuts, raisins, some cinnamon, and sugar. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, then mix your dry ingredients in a bowl. Add some butter to the mixture and ensure that it blends well. Toss the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake it for around 8-10 minutes until it is lightly browned. Allow the mixture to cool before stuffing it into the squash.
4. Adding Seasonings and Flavors
Adding seasonings and flavors to your acorn squash recipe is crucial for making the dish stand out. You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, which pair well with the sweetness of the squash. Garlic also adds a savory flavor to the recipe. Other spices that you can add include nutmeg, cumin, and coriander, which enhance the flavor.
5. How to Roast and Serve the Acorn Squash
After stuffing the acorn squash with the spiced Brazil nut filling, place it on a baking sheet and roast it in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender. You can check the readiness by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the squash. If it goes in easily and the squash is tender, it is ready.
To enhance the flavor of the roasted squash, you can drizzle some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, or maple syrup over it. You can then serve the acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling on a platter or individual plates, which make an excellent entrée or side dish.
6. Additional Tips
• If you don't like Brazil nuts, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
• To make the dish vegan-friendly, replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
• If you want some heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling.
• You can make the acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
• You can also freeze the uncooked squash and filling separately, then thaw them and bake when you are ready to enjoy them.
Conclusion
Acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling is an excellent recipe that is healthy, nutritious, and full of flavor. This delightful dish is easy to make and requires only a few steps. Remember to be meticulous when selecting the acorn squash. Prepping and filling the squash well ensures ease of cooking and enhances the flavor of the dish. By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect acorn squash with spiced Brazil nut filling recipe that will impress your family and friends.
