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
11/02/2015
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
This recipe might just show up at my family’s Thanksgiving Dinner this year. It makes a great presentation and is neatly portion controlled. Gluten Free, Vegetarian & Vegan-I hit them all this time!! Hope you enjoy!
I am just loving all things squash right now. What fall foods are you loving?
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This looks amazing! Definitely something to add to my Thanksgiving menu!!!
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday Night: Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Pudding Dip
Thanks! It was really tasty you would like it
Wow, this looks fabulous! It sounds delicious & is also very pretty. I’m looking forward to trying it!!
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy
I am loving butternut squash and pumpkin right now. I’ve never tried acorn squash. That’s one I need to get on!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Cinnamon Glazed Pumpkin Donuts {GF, Low Cal} + Birthday Bash Giveaway
Oh it’s really yummy and I love how it can be served right in squash.
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 😉
Kelli recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Back to the Track
OH absolutely you can leave out the raisins. I just like foods with different textures. Add more nuts maybe? Hope you enjoy it!
I love stuffed squash. Right now I’m obsessed with delicata squash. I simply can’t get enough of it!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Easy Applesauce Fit Body Bakery Muffins Recipe + Giveaway
I am going to have to try that one next! It’s so good isn’t it?
Oooh black and pink rice? Who knew there were so many colorful varieties! What a perfect fall-inspired recipe.
Melissa recently posted…Almond Milk Volcano Rice Pudding
I had not ever seen the pink rice either! Thanks and hope you try it out.
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.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…The Running Experiment
Yum! This really sounds delicious! Love the orange juice to roast instead of butter.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…5 Purse Essentials for a Healthy Holiday Season
Thanks! I thought the orange juice gave it nice flavor and kept it moist and yummy.
I love acorn squash and this recipe looks delish! I make a similar one with quinoa instead of rice.
Marcia recently posted…Whip, Nae Nae and the Haunted Hip
That would be yummy too! There is so much you can do with squash
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.
Bri recently posted…Forget focusing on goals: To get healthy and fit, focus on this instead
Thanks and I never thought of mixing squash with yams but that sounds good too
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!
Sarah recently posted…Roasted Pear Salad
You know it might work in the crock pot-let me know if you give it a go
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!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Full moon fever….and #fasterthanBOO10k
absolutely! Thanks
i got an acorn squash, i wanted to simply roast it but now this is making me think otherwise.
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Carrot, Dates, and Mint Salad
Thanks! Hope you enjoy
This looks sooo good, a perfect meal for the fall! Now that I know I can make squash, I need to try this out!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 11/1/15
I am so glad to hear that you are no longer afraid of squash 🙂
Sounds delicious! Now, if only I could get my husband on board with meatless Monday!
Molly @ Motherhood and Marathons recently posted…How Running Saved My Life
Well maybe try it as a side first and see how that goes over thanks for stopping in!
Now this is a recipe I can stand behind! Only a few ingredients and looks INCREDIBLE!! I can’t wait to try this!! 🙂
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com recently posted…How to Achieve Work-Life Balance
Thanks so much hope you give it a try and enjoy!
This looks amazing!
Mary Long recently posted…My Happiness Project ~October
Thanks friend! Have a great week
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!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Fall Buddha Bowl with Maple Tahini Dressing
thanks and I agree a great combination and taste
I’m always so iffy with squash, but this looks and sounds so good.
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 10.25 â 10.31
thanks! Don’t fear the squash 🙂
This looks so amazing!! Perfect for fall.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies {vegan, gluten free, soy free}
Thanks! I love all the fall goodness in it
Stuffed acorn squash is one of my favorites. I’ve never used cranberry though, I will have to try it!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Queen of Tarts Blueberry Scones
Thanks! The cranberry gives it a nice pop of color and a great texture and tartness.
I have to say I love your recipe ideas. The photos are beautiful as well.
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick: News & Notes #Ryka #UnderArmour #TomTomSpark #Hello Fresh #Brooks #BelleFit
thanks so much I’ve really been trying to work on the photos.
I LOVE this recipe. Pistachios and Cranberries – so good! This sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving dish, Deborah! 🙂
Thanks so much! Hope you give it a try
I love forbidden rice! It’s one of my favorite side dishes.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Holiday Fitness Challenges
It is really different tasting isn’t it!
This looks absolutely beautiful!! Totally want to add this on the table for Thanksgiving!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Coupole recently posted…Pretty Fit Protein Review
Thanks so much hope you and your family enjoy it.
Mmmmm. Stuffed acorn squash has always been one of my favorites. Beautiful!
Elle recently posted…Holiday Sweat Challenge 2015
I love it too!
yummy! sounds good!
Crystal Honeycutt recently posted…Compassion is for all- #HisGraceIsSufficient
Thanks hope you give it a try!
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 😉
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream recently posted…Still Workin’ On My Night Moves
Oh yes it’s time you tried it for sure! Let me know if you and your family like it
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 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…Energize Circuit Workout
Oh I am the only one eating it as well! they don’t know what they are missing do they?!
I love all the different textures and colors in this! It looks like a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving!
Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes recently posted…Mile Markers, 10/26/15 – 11/1/15
Thanks so much!
Ahh I have an acorn squash!!! But am missing many of the other ingredients..hm. Must save this recipe for future cooking 😉
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Monday motivation: see how things work
Thanks I hope you give it a try sometime
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!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Guilty Pleasures and a Pain in the Neck
Thanks! You can find it at Whole foods or TJ but you can easily sub in any white rice or jasmine rice as well
I’m not a squash lover, but that does look good 🙂
Akaleistar recently posted…Why Don’t You…?
Thanks so much maybe I will change your mind 🙂
This weather totally makes me want to eat this kind of thing! I can’t believe how close it is to the holidays!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Shutterfly and Holidays
I know it kind of sneaks up doesn’t it?!
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.
Markita@Sweshfit recently posted…Did diet play a role in Jared the Subway Guy’s scandal?
Well thanks! It’s really yummy and versatile
Oh, gosh – that sounds delicious and looks great too!
Coco recently posted…Clouds Make The Best Sunrises
Thanks! I am loving the leftovers 🙂
This looks so yummy! I have never tried acorn squash but I can’t wait to try this one out!
Lauren recently posted…“Detox” Veggie Soup
Really? You will love it 🙂
This dish is beautiful and would make a great holiday side dish! I love acorn squash and this would really jazz it up!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…What’s a normal week like?
Thanks so much hope you and your family enjoys
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.
HoHo Runs recently posted…The HoHo Chronicles (WW # 13)
Thanks so much! I am really enjoying cooking these days
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!
Lucie recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Review & Giveaway
really? It’s not hard at all you can do it
This looks fantastic!! I feel myself leaning more to plant based only foods. Humm…
I will definitely try this for the holidays!!
Thanks I hope you enjoy!
I love black rice, it’s a staple in my pantry but I’ve never heard of pink rice!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Cookies and a Fit Body Bakery Giveaway
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
What a gorgeous dish! I am going to have to try this out soon.
Kelli recently posted…Why I Do What I Do
Thanks so much hope you enjoy!
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!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Post-Marathon Blues – Where Do I Go From Here?
I love it too but sometimes forget about it!
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!
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…Protein-Packed Hemp & Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus + A Giveaway!
Oh good let me know if you make it! Enjoy
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
Safari @ Tri-ing To Run Boston recently posted…Lose Weight AND enjoy Thanksgiving – Holiday Weight Loss Challenge
You must go out immediately and purchase squash you will love it! 🙂
Such a pretty dish! I love winer squash season. 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Playing in the Softball World Series + Green Tea Energy Giveaway
Me too! It is so versatile