Best 5 Acorn Squash With Spinach And Ricotta Recipes
Acorn squash, a versatile and nutritious winter squash, takes center stage in this delightful recipe collection. Stuffed with a flavorful combination of spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, these roasted acorn squash halves make for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Acorn squash is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. It's low in calories and carbohydrates, while rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and magnesium. The vibrant orange flesh of acorn squash is also a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Spinach, another nutrient-packed ingredient, provides a boost of vitamins K, A, and C, folate, and iron. Combined with the creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, it creates a filling that's both delicious and nutritious.
Topped with a sprinkle of bread crumbs and a drizzle of olive oil, these stuffed acorn squash halves are roasted until tender and golden brown. The result is a medley of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe article offers variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. If you prefer a vegan filling, use plant-based ricotta and Parmesan cheese alternatives. Additionally, you can customize the herbs and spices to suit your liking.
Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or meat-lover, this collection of acorn squash recipes promises a memorable culinary experience. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors and enjoy the goodness of acorn squash in all its glory.
ROASTED ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH RISOTTO
Steps:
- For the squash: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Divide 3 of the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the 6 squash halves cut-side up in a large, high-sided ovenproof skillet or pot (you may need to do this in batches or two pots). Sprinkle the cut sides all over with salt, then pour the milk into the cavities, filling halfway. Pour water into the pot until it reaches halfway up the sides of the squash. Carefully place in the oven and roast uncovered until fork-tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, peel, seed and dice the remaining squash. Place in a roasting pan along with the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss and roast until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- For the risotto: Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until they are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with the olive oil and onion mixture. Add the white wine and stir until the liquid has absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until all the liquid has absorbed before adding another 1/2 cup. (This process will take approximately 25 minutes and the risotto will become creamy from the starch releasing.) When all of the liquid has been added and absorbed, stir in the Parmesan and the roasted, diced squash. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (If the risotto seems too dry, just add some more broth).
- Stuff the roasted squash halves with the risotto and serve.
ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH STUFFING
Here's a recipe that combines two of my favorite vegetables - squash and spinach. It's one of my family's favorites.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Fill pan with hot water to a depth of 1/2 in. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes., Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute celery and onions in oil until tender. Add the spinach and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. , In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, pecans and remaining salt. Drain water from baking pan. Turn squash cut side up. Stuff with spinach mixture; sprinkle crumb mixture over top. Dot with butter. Bake 15 minutes longer or until the squash is tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 337mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
RICOTTA STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
From "The Fitness Kitchen" by Shelley Sinton. It is described as "Baked squash filled with creamy, honey-kissed ricotta and toasted nuts becomes comfort food on a cold, blustery day. Savor every spoonful as a midday meal or as a warm end to a long afternoon. Not only is winter squash tender and delicious, it's chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Tastes good and it's good for you. Add a cup of cooked chicken or turkey to the ricotta for extra protein. For variety, substitute tofu and toasted walnuts for the ricotta and hazelnuts."
Provided by Oolala
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 45m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- With sharp knife, carefully cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon.
- Rub flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and salt.
- Wrap each half in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until flesh is fork tender. Remove from oven and unwrap squash.
- To toast nuts, place in an ungreased pie tin and bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
- Mix ricotta with honey, oregano, and hazelnuts.
- Evenly fill the baked squash halves with the ricotta mixture.
- If you want the ricotta to be warm, return to oven, on baking sheet, for 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Sprinkle with wheatgerm and black pepper and serve. Note, squash can be cooked a day in advance and reheated with the ricotta mixture at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 495.1, Fat 23.4, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 38.1, Sodium 243.8, Carbohydrate 58.3, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 9.8, Protein 21.1
ACORN SQUASH LASAGNA
Pureed acorn squash and ricotta cheese make a rich, creamy filling in this tasty alternative to traditional lasagna. Using no-boil noodles reduces the preparation time by about 30 minutes.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 1h25m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with oil; set aside. In a medium bowl, mix squash puree with sage, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, mix ricotta with 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Lay 2 lasagna noodles in the bottom of prepared dish; spread with half the squash mixture. Layer with 2 more noodles, and spread with half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layering with remaining noodles and mixtures. Sprinkle top (ricotta mixture) with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
- Cover baking dish with foil; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until lasagna is heated through, about 45 minutes; remove foil, and continue baking until golden on top, 20 to 25 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 g, Fat 16 g, Protein 25 g
ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH SPINACH AND GRUYERE
This is another good way to fix acorn squash, Plus get another vegetable(Spinach) to help get your 3 to 5 vegetables. This is an easy to make recipe. The recipe comes from Sunset.com.
Provided by Barb G.
Categories Spinach
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Rinse the squash and cut each in half lenghthwise: scoop out and discard seeds; Place squash halves, cut side down, in a 10-by-15 inch pan.
- Bake in a 400 degree regular or convection oven until squash is just tender when pierced, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, squeeze moisture from spinach; in a bowl, mix spinach, 3/4 cup cheese and walnuts; season to taste with salt and pepper.
- With tongs or a spatula, turn squash halves over and spoon spinach mixture equally into cavities of squash; Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
- Return squash to oven and bake until cheese melts and filling is hot in the center, 15 to 20 minutes, Serve.
Tips:
- Choose the right squash: Look for acorn squash that is heavy for its size and has a deep green color. Avoid squash with blemishes or soft spots.
- Roast the squash before stuffing it: Roasting the squash helps to caramelize the natural sugars and bring out its flavor. It also makes the squash easier to stuff.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor than wilted spinach. If you can't find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all of the excess water before using it.
- Season the filling generously: Don't be afraid to add plenty of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the spinach and ricotta filling. This will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Top with cheese: A sprinkling of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed squash before baking will add a delicious golden crust.
Conclusion:
Acorn squash with spinach and ricotta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a fall meal. The squash is roasted until tender and then stuffed with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling. The dish is then baked until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Acorn squash with spinach and ricotta is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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