As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s something comforting about a warm, home-cooked meal. This Easy Stuffed Delicata Squash Recipe brings together the sweet, nutty flavor of delicata squash with a savory stuffing that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the season. Grab your favorite ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center. Rinse and dry the delicata squash. To make slicing easier, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes, then carefully slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Brush the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and season with kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place them flesh-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender. Flip the squash and roast for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color.
- While the squash is roasting, cook farro in salted boiling water following package directions until it is tender but slightly chewy. It should absorb most of the water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped shallots, green onions, and garlic with a pinch of salt until soft. Add remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, and dried fruit, stirring until everything is warmed through.
- Combine the cooked farro with the sautéed mixture, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the roasted squash halves on a serving platter and spoon the farro filling into each cavity. Serve immediately as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash, similar in size
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup farro (or grain of choice)
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 green onions, white and green parts, trimmed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 to ½ cup walnuts
- 1/3 to ½ cup hazelnuts
- 1/3 cup dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins
FAQ
- Can you eat the skin of delicata squash?
- Yes, the skin of delicata squash is thin and edible. Once cooked, it becomes tender enough to enjoy along with the flesh.
- What should I do if the delicata squash is too hard to cut?
- If the squash is difficult to cut, microwave it for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the skin. This makes it easier to halve. Remember to use oven mitts when handling the hot squash.
- Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
- Certainly! If delicata squash isn’t available, you can substitute it with acorn or butternut squash. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially for larger squashes like butternut.
- What are some gluten-free alternatives for the filling?
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace the farro in the filling with grains like quinoa or rice.
- How can I prepare stuffed delicata squash in advance?
- You can roast the squash and prepare the filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat the squash in the oven and the filling in a skillet before assembling.
Tips
- Microwave Hack for Easier Cutting: Before attempting to cut the delicata squash, place it in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. This will soften the skin, making it significantly easier to slice through. Just remember to use oven mitts to handle the hot squash safely.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the grain filling. If you don’t have farro or want a gluten-free option, try using quinoa, rice, or your preferred grain. Similarly, you can mix up the types of nuts and dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Save time by preparing the roasted delicata squash and the farro filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and simply reheat before assembling and serving.
- Edible and Delicious Skin: The skin of delicata squash is thin and edible, adding both flavor and texture to the dish. Once cooked, it becomes tender, so there’s no need to peel it before eating.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe plate (for softening squash in the microwave)
- Large baking sheet (for roasting squash)
- Oven mitts (for handling hot squash)
- Chef’s knife (for cutting squash)
- Pair of tongs (for flipping squash during roasting)
- Large skillet (for preparing the filling)
- Serving platter (for presenting the stuffed squash)
