Acorn squash is a small variety of winter squash named for its resemblance to a large acorn. Its shape, combined with its bright yellow-orange flesh, make it a perfect autumnal food. Conveniently, fall is exactly when it’s perfectly in season! Like its relatives butternut squash and spaghetti squash, acorn squash is nutrient-dense and versatile. It can be baked, microwaved, pureed, sauteed or steamed, and paired with savory or sweet flavor combinations.
Stuffed with another nutritional powerhouse — quinoa — this recipe for Vegetarian Acorn Squash Bowls can be served as an impressive side dish for a holiday dinner or as the star of a satisfying meatless weeknight meal.
VEGETARIAN ACORN SQUASH BOWLS
Yield: 4 bowls
Ingredients for your Kroger shopping list:
2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 Tablespoon zero-trans-fat margarine, melted
2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º F. Place halved squash on parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side down. Bake 30 minutes. Allow to cool. In a medium bowl, combine quinoa, margarine, brown sugar, dates and almonds. Divide quinoa mixture evenly between squash halves and return to oven for an
additional 15 minutes. Serve warm.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING: 330 Calories; 11 grams Fat; 1 gram Saturated Fat; 0 mg Cholesterol; 40 mg Sodium; 56 grams Carbohydrates; 24 grams Sugar; 8 grams Fiber; 7 grams Protein; 15% Vitamin A
What are the health benefits of these ingredients?
- Acorn squash: Good source of vitamin A
- Quinoa: Contains protein and fiber
- Dates: Contains potassium and fiber
- Almonds: Good source of magnesium, fiber and protein
Henry Ford LiveWell and Kroger have teamed up to assist you in your wellness journey! Learn how to shop and cook healthy by signing up for a grocery store tour hosted by a Henry Ford registered dietitian nutritionist. Or visit us for one of our free Kroger mini-tours or cooking demos hosted each week across southeast Michigan.
Looking for more info and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian? Call 1-855-434-5483 or email ContactUs@henryfordlivewell.com.
