Happy Meatless Monday veggie lovers! Thanks for joining Tina and me to showcase the best veggie recipes this week. I am sticking with the fall veggie theme again this week with some tasty Cranberry & Rice stuffed Acorn Squash. I was given a few samples of Lotus Foods products to try from my friends at Meatless Monday and was looking for something fun to do with them. Today I’ve combined Forbidden black rice & Madagascar pink rice together to give this squash a little pop of color.
I’ve added some more of my fall favorites-pistachios, yellow raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg to create beautiful hearty dish perfect for all of your holiday dinners. The tastes and textures blend so nicely together hope you enjoy!
Cooks notes:
-Using a little bit of orange or apple juice in the center of the squash as you roast it keeps the squash moist and flavorful. I opted to do that instead of using butter.
-This dish can be prepped ahead and warmed in the oven to serve.
-You can also scrape some of the squash out and mix it back into the rice and re stuff.
Cranberry & Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 Acorn Squash-sliced in half and seeded
- 1 C Black Rice
- 1 C Madagascar Pink rice (or white rice)
- 1/2 C yellow raisins or currants
- 3/4 C pistachio nuts
- 1 C fresh Cranberry
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp cinnamon & nutmeg
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 375
- Place Acorn Squash on a baking dish with a splash of orange juice in the center and roast 20-30 min
- Meanwhile-prepare the 2 types of rice according to package instructions
- Add cranberries to small saucepan w a little water and cook for 5 min until soft set aside
- Combine rice, pistachio, raisins, spices and cranberry in a mixing bowl
- Carefully stuff rice mixture into Acorn Squash and serve
- Note: Can be prepared in advance and warmed in oven to serve
Annmarie says
This looks amazing! Definitely something to add to my Thanksgiving menu!!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! It was really tasty you would like it
Angela @www.marathonsandmotivtion.com says
Wow, this looks fabulous! It sounds delicious & is also very pretty. I’m looking forward to trying it!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I am loving butternut squash and pumpkin right now. I’ve never tried acorn squash. That’s one I need to get on!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh it’s really yummy and I love how it can be served right in squash.
Kelli says
Wow, this looks beautiful! I have such an aversion to raisins in baked things (don’t know why, I love them in trail mix). The flavor combo sounds great, though. Pistachios are my fave! Perhaps I could dream up a version of this without raisins 😉
Deborah Brooks says
OH absolutely you can leave out the raisins. I just like foods with different textures. Add more nuts maybe? Hope you enjoy it!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I love stuffed squash. Right now I’m obsessed with delicata squash. I simply can’t get enough of it!
Deborah Brooks says
I am going to have to try that one next! It’s so good isn’t it?
Melissa says
Oooh black and pink rice? Who knew there were so many colorful varieties! What a perfect fall-inspired recipe.
Deborah Brooks says
I had not ever seen the pink rice either! Thanks and hope you try it out.
[email protected] says
I have never had acorn squash. Is it similar to spaghetti squash, just not stringy? Either way that looks tasty and something different to try.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Yum! This really sounds delicious! Love the orange juice to roast instead of butter.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I thought the orange juice gave it nice flavor and kept it moist and yummy.
Marcia says
I love acorn squash and this recipe looks delish! I make a similar one with quinoa instead of rice.
Deborah Brooks says
That would be yummy too! There is so much you can do with squash
Bri says
This would be the perfect side (or main!) to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner! Looks yummy, I love all things squash. I love mixing squash with yams to make a mashed potato-type dish.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks and I never thought of mixing squash with yams but that sounds good too
Sarah says
LOVE acorn squash and cranberries! I’m going to have to try to eat the last couple squash without a kitchen… hoping to have the stove hooked back sometime in the middle of the whole process between the cabinets being done and the floor but if not I have to I’m thinking I can put the crock-pot somewhere and make it. I think this might be one that would work in a crock-pot, I’ll have to try it!
Deborah Brooks says
You know it might work in the crock pot-let me know if you give it a go
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
As I was reading this, I was thinking how good this would be at Thanksgiving, and there you go, suggesting it towards the end! Great minds think alike!
Deborah Brooks says
absolutely! Thanks
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
i got an acorn squash, i wanted to simply roast it but now this is making me think otherwise.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! Hope you enjoy
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
This looks sooo good, a perfect meal for the fall! Now that I know I can make squash, I need to try this out!
Deborah Brooks says
I am so glad to hear that you are no longer afraid of squash 🙂
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons says
Sounds delicious! Now, if only I could get my husband on board with meatless Monday!
Deborah Brooks says
Well maybe try it as a side first and see how that goes over thanks for stopping in!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Now this is a recipe I can stand behind! Only a few ingredients and looks INCREDIBLE!! I can’t wait to try this!! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much hope you give it a try and enjoy!
Mary Long says
This looks amazing!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks friend! Have a great week
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I do love your tip about the juice in the center while baking. I have to say I’m a stickler for this combination – sweet squash, the tart cranberries, sweet raisins and crunchy pistachios all with black rice – I mean really who could turn this down!! I love the flavor of black rice, it’s almost like bay leaf or something, it adds such a great taste to every dish!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks and I agree a great combination and taste
Jenn says
I’m always so iffy with squash, but this looks and sounds so good.
Deborah Brooks says
thanks! Don’t fear the squash 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This looks so amazing!! Perfect for fall.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I love all the fall goodness in it
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
Stuffed acorn squash is one of my favorites. I’ve never used cranberry though, I will have to try it!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! The cranberry gives it a nice pop of color and a great texture and tartness.
Margo says
I have to say I love your recipe ideas. The photos are beautiful as well.
Deborah Brooks says
thanks so much I’ve really been trying to work on the photos.
Jen says
I LOVE this recipe. Pistachios and Cranberries – so good! This sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving dish, Deborah! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! Hope you give it a try
MCM Mama Runs says
I love forbidden rice! It’s one of my favorite side dishes.
Deborah Brooks says
It is really different tasting isn’t it!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Coupole says
This looks absolutely beautiful!! Totally want to add this on the table for Thanksgiving!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much hope you and your family enjoy it.
Elle says
Mmmmm. Stuffed acorn squash has always been one of my favorites. Beautiful!
Deborah Brooks says
I love it too!
Crystal Honeycutt says
yummy! sounds good!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks hope you give it a try!
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream says
I have never had a stuffed squash, but this looks yummy and really pretty. I think if I made this, it would definitely ‘wow’ my family. I’m a big fan of squash. I’ve just never ‘stuffed’ it – maybe it’s time I tried it 😉
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yes it’s time you tried it for sure! Let me know if you and your family like it
jill conyers says
I make a similar recipe with squash rings. I’m the only one in my family that eats it so I have leftovers for days. I’m ok with that 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Oh I am the only one eating it as well! they don’t know what they are missing do they?!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
I love all the different textures and colors in this! It looks like a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much!
Jess @hellotofit says
Ahh I have an acorn squash!!! But am missing many of the other ingredients..hm. Must save this recipe for future cooking 😉
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I hope you give it a try sometime
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says
I have never heard of Madagascar Pink Rice, I wouldn’t even know where to go to find that:) But it sounds exotic. Creative idea with the squash and cranberries!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! You can find it at Whole foods or TJ but you can easily sub in any white rice or jasmine rice as well
Akaleistar says
I’m not a squash lover, but that does look good 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much maybe I will change your mind 🙂
Sandra Laflamme says
This weather totally makes me want to eat this kind of thing! I can’t believe how close it is to the holidays!
Deborah Brooks says
I know it kind of sneaks up doesn’t it?!
Markita@Sweshfit says
I don’t even know if I’ve ever had acorn squash in my life but I really want to try this! It looks so exotic and amazing.
Deborah Brooks says
Well thanks! It’s really yummy and versatile
Coco says
Oh, gosh – that sounds delicious and looks great too!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I am loving the leftovers 🙂
Lauren says
This looks so yummy! I have never tried acorn squash but I can’t wait to try this one out!
Deborah Brooks says
Really? You will love it 🙂
Mary Beth Jackson says
This dish is beautiful and would make a great holiday side dish! I love acorn squash and this would really jazz it up!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much hope you and your family enjoys
HoHo Runs says
This looks so festive for Thanksgiving! I like the portion control too. I’ve got to get better about cooking. Your recipes are always so appealing.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! I am really enjoying cooking these days
Lucie says
We never had squash growing up so I have no idea how to cook it! I know it’s good for you, I should give this a try and see what my family thinks of it? I have no idea how it tastes either! I’m always up for a challenge!
Deborah Brooks says
really? It’s not hard at all you can do it
Natalie says
This looks fantastic!! I feel myself leaning more to plant based only foods. Humm…
I will definitely try this for the holidays!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I hope you enjoy!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I love black rice, it’s a staple in my pantry but I’ve never heard of pink rice!
Deborah Brooks says
Black rice is great and the pink was new to me as well. You can sub any other one or just use all forbidden rice. Hope you give it a try
Kelli says
What a gorgeous dish! I am going to have to try this out soon.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much hope you enjoy!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
omg I love acorn squash! I have not made it yet this season but will definitely have to cook it up soon. I’ve never made it like this though, excited to try it!
Deborah Brooks says
I love it too but sometimes forget about it!
Catherine @ foodiecology says
Yum! You just reminded me that I still have an acorn squash chilling out in my kitchen, so this might have to happen sooner rather than later!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh good let me know if you make it! Enjoy
Safari @ Tri-ing To Run Boston says
wow that looks amazing…like too perfect to eat. Lol. I’m so NOT a cool. Smh. I have never purchased an acorn squash or any other squash for that matter. #dontJudgeMe lol
Deborah Brooks says
You must go out immediately and purchase squash you will love it! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Such a pretty dish! I love winer squash season. 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Me too! It is so versatile