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Acorn squash is a favourite of mine, partially for the flavour and partially for the truth that the squash itself turns into the bowl you could eat out of! I’ve an outdated stuffed squash recipe on the weblog, and thought it was time so as to add one crammed with nutrient dense plant protein and fall flavors. Enter this excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash. It’s crammed with top quality plant protein, important vitamins and antioxidants, and fall flavors you crave.
The most effective winter squash for stuffing
Whereas I like to make use of acorn squash, you should utilize different varieties to your stuffed squash. The 2 different sorts I like for this type of recipe are delicata and kabocha. Delicata squash is a bit smaller, however you could possibly use each side as one serving. The flesh can be extra skinny, permitting for extra filling versus squash if that’s most well-liked. Butternut it additionally an choice to serve to a bunch and should you love spaghetti squash, you may combine the excessive protein filling in after scooping the squash out.
Vitamin advantages of winter squash
You’ll get nice nutrient advantages from winter squash, too. All winter squash varieties present antioxidant carotenoids, together with beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A. They’re additionally wealthy in vitamin C, fiber and different anti-inflammatory compounds. One cup of acorn squash specifically is an effective supply of iron and magnesium, and a very good supply of potassium, all vitamins People are at excessive danger of not consuming sufficient of. It additionally affords vitamin B6 and folate, and 9 grams of fiber, which over 90% of People don’t eat sufficient of. And naturally, with the appropriate pairing or filling, squash might be a part of a balanced meal with satisfactory protein.
Need extra? Try my Consuming Effectively article on why winter squash is so good for you.
The most effective plant proteins for stuffed squash
Recently persons are again to asking questions on whether or not plant protein is satisfactory for muscle development and upkeep. Protein from crops might be satisfactory for well being and efficiency and when ready appropriately, affords a satisfying style and texture at meals. The kind of crops you’re utilizing might matter although. Many wholesome vegan stuffed squash recipes look scrumptious, however are low in protein. With tempeh and quinoa although, this stuffed squash is an entire meal.
Each tempeh and quinoa supply top quality plant protein, and also you’ll get a little bit bit extra from the pistachio topping. Top quality proteins supply an applicable quantity of important amino acids to help muscle restoration and development, so not solely is that this a excessive protein vegan stuffed squash, it’s top quality, too.
Haven’t had tempeh earlier than? Tempeh, like tofu, is a soy protein. It’s made by means of a fermentation course of and has a extra hearty texture that pleases meat eaters. My husband a lot prefers tempeh over tofu more often than not on account of these texture variations. In the event you’re nonetheless uncertain, take a look at this miso ginger tempeh sheet pan dinner or this buffalo tempeh sandwich.
Love what you see? Carry this excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash to your subsequent friendsgiving or vacation desk to impress vegan and omnivorous pals alike.
Excessive Protein Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash is hearty, nutrient packed and crammed with the autumn flavors you crave!
- 2 medium acorn squash
- 2 ⅓ tbsp olive or avocado oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 bundle tempeh (8 ounces)
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 2 tbsp shelled pistachios chopped
French dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1½ tbsp complete grain mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
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Preheat oven to 425°F. After fastidiously chopping the highest and backside ends of the squash off, halve and take away seeds.
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Brush or rub 1 tsp of olive oil onto the flesh of every squash half earlier than inserting face down on a baking sheet and baking for 30-35 minutes.
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Whereas the squash is roasting, prepare dinner your quinoa in response to bundle directions should you wouldn’t have it prepped already. Use roughly 1 cup of dry quinoa.
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Whereas the quinoa and squash are cooking, mince the garlic, chop the kale, and crumble the tempeh.
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Warmth 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium sautee pan earlier than including garlic and stirring. Then, add the crumbled tempeh and kale. Stir and canopy, letting prepare dinner for 3-4 minutes earlier than stirring once more, cooking an extra 3-4 minutes earlier than leaving lined and turning off the warmth.
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Because the quinoa and squash ending cooking, whisk collectively all components for the French dressing.
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Add quinoa and French dressing to the pan with the tempeh combination and stir nicely.
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As soon as squash are finished cooking, add every to their very own plate and divide the quinoa and tempeh combination between them.
