Acorn Squash Stuffed with Curried Meat 🍽️
Overview:
This delightful recipe hails from the renowned Apple Companion cookbook, a treasure trove discovered amidst the rustic charm of Amish Acres in Indiana. A fusion of robust flavors, it epitomizes comfort and warmth, making it an autumn and winter favorite. Bursting with savory goodness, it’s a hearty meal perfect for lunch, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. With a touch of Pakistani, Asian, and Indian influences, it’s a culinary journey worth embarking on. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this sensational dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 tart apple
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon cumin seed
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Squash: Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise from stem to tip, then scrape out the seeds, creating a hollow space. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Dice Apple: Employ a nifty green peeling/coring/slicing unit (if available) to core and slice the apple. Dice the apple into small, uniform pieces.
- Add Aromatics: To the skillet, add the diced apple, minced garlic, and curry powder. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the apple begins to soften and the curry powder releases its tantalizing aroma.
- Incorporate Meat: Introduce the ground lamb and turkey to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to combine with the onion and apple mixture. Break up any large chunks as the meat browns.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle in the cumin seed, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste, ensuring the flavors meld harmoniously.
- Creamy Indulgence: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce until it reaches a thick, luscious consistency.
- Stuff Squash: Fill each hollowed-out acorn squash half generously with the curried meat mixture, packing it in snugly.
- Bake or Microwave: Place the stuffed squash halves in a baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly to prevent tipping over. For oven baking, cover the dish tightly with foil. Alternatively, for microwave cooking, use microwave-safe plastic wrap with two slits for ventilation.
- Cooking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or if microwaving, cook at 70% power for about 25 minutes. The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, indicating it’s perfectly cooked and ready to devour!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1229.2
- Total Fat: 99.2g
- Saturated Fat: 51.6g
- Cholesterol: 308.1mg
- Sodium: 1495.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 47.2g
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 13.6g
- Protein: 42.2g
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish your Acorn Squash Stuffed with Curried Meat with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your culinary masterpiece and savor the rich tapestry of flavors in every delicious bite! 🍴👩🍳
