Stuffed Acorn Squash – Emeril Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description: Indulge in the delightful flavors of Stuffed Acorn Squash, inspired by Emeril’s culinary expertise. This recipe promises a wholesome, savory experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Acorn squash |
| – | Olive oil |
| – | Salt |
| – | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 1 | Italian sausage |
| 1 | Red onion |
| 4 | Tomato sauce |
| 1/2 | Rigatoni pasta |
| 1/2 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1 | Fresh parsley leaves |
| 1 | Olive oil |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 2 | Tomatoes with juice |
| 2 | Fresh basil |
| 1/2 | Black pepper |
| 2 1/2 | Sugar |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1146.7
- Fat Content: 51.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 158.3mg
- Sodium Content: 4597mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 128.9g
- Fiber Content: 15.6g
- Sugar Content: 22.2g
- Protein Content: 52g
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Squash:
- Wash the acorn squash thoroughly and slice them in half.
- Remove the seeds and pulp.
- Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves and season generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
- Bake the Squash:
- Place the seasoned squash halves on a baking sheet, flesh side up.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan to keep the squash moist during baking.
- Cover the squash with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven until tender, approximately 1 hour.
- Once done, remove the squash from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and chopped red onions for about 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with tomato sauce, rigatoni pasta, and mozzarella cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Stuff the Squash:
- Spoon the prepared pasta mixture generously into the cavity of each squash half.
- Bake Again:
- Place the filled squash halves back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven.
- Bake until the squash is heated through and the cheese has melted, approximately 20 minutes.
- Serve:
- Transfer the stuffed acorn squash to serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic with salt and white pepper for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes and torn fresh basil leaves to the skillet, stirring continuously for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and season with black pepper, then allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding sugar if necessary to balance the acidity.
- Continue cooking for an additional minute before removing from heat.
This Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for those looking to savor the wholesome goodness of seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this dish with your loved ones!
