Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, Dried Cranberries, and Pecans
Total Time:1 hour
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
1 pound ground turkey sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully cut each acorn squash in half from the stem to the point and scoop out the seeds with a metal spoon. Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir the chopped spinach into the skillet and cook just until it begins to wilt. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the pan and add the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, dried sage, and dried thyme. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Once the squashes are tender, remove them from the oven and carefully flip them over so the hollow centers are facing up. Divide the sausage and spinach mixture evenly among the four squash halves, packing it in and mounding it slightly on top. Return the stuffed squashes to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, which will toast the pecans and ensure everything is piping hot for your Christmas dinner.
