Acorn Squash Stuffed With Apricots and Cornbread is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with the tartness of apricots and the savory goodness of cornbread stuffing. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice, especially during the fall season.
Components:
- Acorn Squash: You’ll need one or more acorn squash, depending on the number of servings you want to prepare.
- Cornbread: Cornbread forms the base of the stuffing. You can use homemade cornbread or store-bought.
- Dried Apricots: Dried apricots add a sweet and slightly tangy element to the stuffing.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a savory base for the stuffing.
- Herbs and Spices: You’ll typically use a combination of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with spices like salt and pepper.
- Stock or Broth: Vegetable or chicken stock is used to moisten the stuffing.
- Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Squash: Cut the acorn squash in half horizontally and scoop out the seeds and strings. You can optionally brush the cut sides with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
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Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they become tender but not too soft.
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Prepare the Stuffing: While the squash is roasting, prepare the stuffing. Start by sautéing diced onion and garlic in a pan with butter or olive oil until they become translucent.
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Add Ingredients: Add chopped dried apricots, crumbled cornbread, herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
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Moisten with Stock: Gradually add vegetable or chicken stock to the stuffing mixture, stirring continuously until it reaches your desired level of moisture. Be careful not to make it too wet.
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Stuff the Squash: Once the squash is roasted, turn them cut side up and fill each half with the cornbread stuffing mixture.
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Final Bake: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is heated through and has a nice golden-brown top.
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Serve: Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve your Acorn Squash Stuffed With Apricots and Cornbread as a delightful side dish or even a main course.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Acorn Squash Stuffed With Apricots and Cornbread can vary depending on your cooking skills and the number of servings you’re making. Generally, it takes around 60-75 minutes from start to finish.
Enjoy this delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of acorn squash, apricots, and cornbread!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Acorn Squash Stuffed With Apricots and Cornbread:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 8-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-15 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 6-8 grams
- Sugars: 12-15 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Health Information:
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Rich in Fiber: Acorn squash is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Acorn squash is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium. These are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and overall bodily functions.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option.
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Healthy Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in this dish come from sources like squash and apricots, which provide complex carbohydrates and natural sugars.
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Protein: While this dish contains some protein from the cornbread and stuffing ingredients, it’s not particularly high in protein. You may consider adding a protein source to your meal if desired.
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Moderate Calories: The calorie content is moderate, making it a suitable side dish or even a light main course.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake, especially if you’re concerned about weight management.
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Nutrient-Rich: The combination of acorn squash, apricots, and cornbread provides a variety of nutrients, making it a nutritious choice.
Keep in mind that the specific nutrition content may vary based on the ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific needs and health goals.
