Try this vegan stuffed acorn dish bursting with quinoa, apples and cranberries. Toasted walnuts add a wonderfully warm crunch to this gluten-free recipe that will please herbivores and meat-eaters alike.
Recipe yields 6 servings
Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut each acorn squash in half crosswise and scoop out seeds and strings. Lightly brush 1 tablespoon of the olive oil on the cut side of the acorn squash halves.
Arrange squash halves, cut side down, on baking sheets and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the squash from the oven and turn cut side up. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine flaxseed and water and stir. Let rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
In a saucepan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, celery, apple and walnuts and cook for 10 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the maple syrup, dried cranberries, pepitas, parsley, sage, thyme, salt and black pepper and stir to combine. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cooked quinoa and stir to combine. Add the flax mixture and gently stir until combined.
Spoon stuffing mixture into each squash half. Cover each squash with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the squash is soft and just golden.