Whip up this easy MoroccanStyle Stuffed Acorn Squash tonight Familyapproved tested in my Texas kitchen My kids love this comforting dish Get the recipe
Author:susan
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 25 minutes
Yield:4
Category:Main Course
Cuisine:Moroccan
Diet:Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 pound ground lamb or beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped almonds
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup vegetable broth
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes until tender.
Stir in the chickpeas, dried cranberries, and almonds. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the filling is slightly thickened.
Remove the roasted squash from the oven and spoon the meat mixture into the cavities of each squash half. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.