Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with a spiced filling made from Brazil nuts and other ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this dish:
What is it?
Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling is a vegetarian or vegan dish that features roasted acorn squash halves filled with a mixture of Brazil nuts, spices, and other ingredients. The result is a hearty and nutritious meal that’s perfect for fall and winter seasons.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely evolved as a creative way to prepare acorn squash, a popular winter squash variety. The combination of Brazil nuts and spices adds a unique twist to the traditional roasted squash preparation.
Components:
- Acorn Squash: You’ll need two acorn squash, which are halved and roasted.
- Spiced Brazil Nut Filling: The filling is made from Brazil nuts, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and sometimes other flavor-enhancing ingredients like herbs or dried fruits.
Steps to Prepare Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling:
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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 vertically, and scoop out the seeds and strings from the center. You can also lightly score the inside of the squash to help it cook more evenly.
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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 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
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Prepare the Filling: While the squash is roasting, prepare the spiced Brazil nut filling. In a food processor, combine Brazil nuts, spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg), bread crumbs, sautéed onion, and garlic. Pulse until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture. You can also add other seasonings and ingredients to taste.
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Fill the Squash: Once the squash is roasted, turn them cut-side up. Fill each squash half with the spiced Brazil nut mixture, pressing it gently into the cavity.
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Finish Baking: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and slightly browned on top.
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Serve: Once done, remove the squash from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling typically ranges from 60 to 75 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It may vary slightly depending on your oven’s temperature accuracy and the size of the squash.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Protein: 7-9 grams
- Vitamin A: 150-200% DV (Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 30-40% DV
- Calcium: 10-15% DV
- Iron: 10-15% DV
- Potassium: 600-700 mg
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Acorn squash is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Vitamins: Acorn squash is a great source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and immune function, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports overall health.
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Fiber-Rich: This dish is high in dietary fiber, thanks to both the acorn squash and the nut filling. Fiber promotes digestive health and can help with weight management.
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Good Source of Healthy Fats: The Brazil nuts used in the filling provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can have heart-healthy benefits.
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Protein Content: The recipe contains a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
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Minerals: Acorn squash is a decent source of minerals like potassium, which is important for maintaining blood pressure and muscle function.
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Low in Cholesterol: This dish is cholesterol-free, making it heart-healthy.
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Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Acorn Squash With Spiced Brazil Nut Filling is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish, making it a good choice for those following plant-based diets.
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Antioxidants: The spices used in the filling, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, provide antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Remember that the actual nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portions used in your preparation. This dish is a nutritious and flavorful option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables and nuts into their diet.
