Save A hearty, flavorful dish featuring acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of lentils, walnuts, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect as a vegetarian main or festive side.
I first made this lentil & walnut stuffed acorn squash for a fall potluck, and it was a hit with both vegetarians and omnivores. The flavors come together beautifully and the squash makes a stunning centerpiece on the table.
Ingredients
- Acorn squash: 2 medium, halved and seeded
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, plus 1 tbsp for filling
- Salt: ½ tsp, plus ½ tsp in filling
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp, plus ¼ tsp in filling
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 medium, diced
- Celery stalk: 1, diced
- Cooked lentils: 1 cup green or brown
- Walnuts: ½ cup, coarsely chopped
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional): ½ cup, for extra texture
- Dried cranberries or raisins: ¼ cup
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped, plus 2 tbsp for garnish
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative (optional): 2 tbsp, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush cut sides of acorn squash halves with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until tender.
- Cook the filling:
- While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, carrot, and celery; cook 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add lentils and mix:
- Add cooked lentils, walnuts, quinoa or rice (if using), cranberries or raisins, parsley, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes so flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Prepare squash cavity:
- Remove squash from oven and turn cut side up. Gently scoop out some flesh to create a cavity, leaving about ½ inch border. Chop scooped flesh and stir into the filling mixture.
- Stuff and bake:
- Fill each squash half generously with the lentil-walnut mixture. Return to oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish squash halves with feta cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Save Sharing this dish with my parents last Thanksgiving made the meal extra special. Everyone loved the blend of flavors and scents wafting from the kitchen as the squash roasted.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, spoon, large skillet, mixing bowl
Allergen Information
Contains walnuts and optional dairy. Check labels for cheese and grains for allergen info. May contain traces of gluten if non-certified grains are used.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 370, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 51 g, Protein: 11 g
Save Give this cozy acorn squash recipe a try for your next gathering. It's hearty, beautiful, and perfect for sharing.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of lentils work best for this dish?
Green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture when combined with the other ingredients.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, when using certified gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice for the filling, and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free, this dish suits gluten-free diets.
- → How should I prepare the acorn squash for stuffing?
Halve and seed the squash, brush cut sides with olive oil and seasoning, then roast cut side down until tender before scooping out some flesh to mix into the filling.
- → What can I substitute for walnuts if I have allergies?
Pecans or hazelnuts work well as alternatives, providing a similar crunch and flavor to complement the filling.
- → Is there a vegan option available for the garnish?
Yes, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- → How long should the stuffed squash be baked after filling?
After stuffing, bake the squash halves for 10–12 minutes to heat through and achieve a golden top.