Autumn is almost here, so why not indulge in this healthy side dish: acorn squash stuffed with apple and raisins! Easily substitute in craisins if raisins aren't your thing! Healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and delicious!
Winter means comfort foods, and this winter is no exception.
The temperatures have been cold and darn near bone-chilling. I don't mind walking the dog each day in the cold, but some days, when my husband is working late, I have to drag kiddo out with me, and she does not want anything to do with the cold! I have to bribe her to come out with me. This week had our shortest walk ever, which I think was about 5 minutes. I feel bad for Rex, but I cannot force kiddo to walk outside in these temperatures. I usually make up for it on the days when Mr. TCW is home to watch kiddo.
That aside, when I get in from the walk, I want something warm, hearty, and easy to make. This acorn squash stuffed with apple and raisins filled all that criteria. I knew the squash had to be cooked up since it had been sitting around for a while (the one benefit of squashes is their ability to keep so long. )I had made a similar recipe in the past with maple syrup and apples, but this time around I wanted something different. Okay, I will be honest. Kiddo has been asking for pancakes every day and I did not want to use up the last of the syrup on her!
The cooking method was different from any other recipe I have worked with. It helped this acorn squash stuffed with apple and raisins cook perfectly, and the recipe took no time at all. The original recipe was not vegan, but I figured coconut oil would work well in place of butter here, and I was right! Feel free to use butter, but the coconut oil really added a wonderful flavor to this recipe.
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apple and Raisins
The perfect side dish to any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- ½ lb (2 apples,) chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- ⅛ cup brown sugar (honey or maple syrup would be nice here, too.)
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F. Add the squash to a large baking sheet, cut side down, and add enough water to just over the bottom of the pan entirely.
- Place into oven and bake for 30-40 minutes (this will depend on the size of your squash. If you can stick a knife through smoothly you are good to go!)
- While the squash cooks, add the coconut oil to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and raisins. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Remove squash from oven. Drain pan and flip squash so the cut side is facing upwards. Sprinkle with some salt. Add in the apple mixture and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until squash is nice and soft.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 302mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 6gSugar: 34gProtein: 2g
Quick and simple, this acorn squash stuffed with apple and raisins is a great side, or a vegetarian's/vegan's dinner for the evening. Funny enough, my husband and daughter only wanted the filling. I guess they are not squash fans! I personally loved all the flavors together, and acorn squash has this unique flavor that is just so pleasant with the filling.
Love this acorn squash stuffed with apple and raisins?! Try some of these recipes:
Carrot and Roasted Zucchini Soup
Marye
Acorn squash is a childhood favorite of mine. My mom used to just bake halves with butter and brown sugar and pepper. My kids have never liked it so I rarely make it but this is fantastic! I love the look of it.
Kacey
It is funny how many kids do not enjoy squash, but I bet in a couple of years they will see their errors 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout
Squash is so hearty... ideal winter food! This looks amazing 🙂
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits
Well, I 've never been a huge fan of Acorn Squash, in part because I couldn't get my kids to eat it, but I have to say your recipe looks fantastic! Maybe I could convince them it's dessert for dinner! I've pinned it too, thanks!
Kacey
At least the filling is not too unhealthy so they could just eat that like my daughter did!
Melanie | Melanie Makes
Love how hearty the filling of this squash looks!
Kacey
Definitely our favourite part of the dish!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Those acorn squash -- so cute!
Michelle Blackwood
Winter squashes are so delicious prepared in sweet and savory dishes, I will definitely have to try making it with apples and raisins. Thanks
Kacey
They are the ultimate comfort food during these cold months!
Beth
Major props to all you dog people for still walking your dogs in the winter! We don't have a dog but offered to take our neighbor's dog on a walk.. which happened to be in the middle of a blizzard. Needless to say, the dog loved it but I needed some comfort food like this squash afterwards!
Kacey
Oh boy, it has been rough but he loves tunneling through the snow and has tons of fur, so I know he isn't freezing. A small dog may be a problem in this weather! Good for you getting your neighbour's dog out for a walk!
Kristen
I always get so excited when squash season hits. I keep a couple in my crisper all winter long. This recipe sounds almost like it could be dessert. I might be tempted to eat that filling by itself, too, but I do love squash.
Kacey
I love how long squashes last for, too! Pick it up, forget about it for a month, and then one day you remember to make an awesome recipe!
Caitlin
this looks fantastic. it's like breakfast, dinner, and dessert all combined!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula
I've been craving acorn squash lately and this looks superb! I'll have to make it with honey!
Kacey
For sure! I figured I would use sugar to keep it vegan, but non-vegans will love that helping of honey in this recipe 🙂
Joanie @ ZagLeft
I love acorn squash and the filling looks so hearty and delicious!
Kelley
If we lived where it snowed, I would let me dogs out on their own! haha. You are awesome for walking in the cold. This recipe looks great too! Very warm and filling!
Kacey
Haha, it is so tempting to let him out back, but while he loves tunneling through the snow on his walks, he acts like a big baby in the backyard!
Courtney @ NeighborFood
This looks so satisfying and comforting for a cold winter night!
Kacey
Could not agree more!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
This is beautiful, and so healthy!
Kacey
Thanks, Andi! Perfect for any dietary conditions.
Victoria
I have this recipe in the oven right now! I'm super excited to try it. I've never had acorn squash before but it smells good so far.
Kacey
Exciting! Acorn squash is probably one of my favourites 🙂 Just remember to poke it with a fork to see if it is done (the fork should sink in nicely.)
Trish - Mom On Timeout
The colors! So vibrant! I would love this for dinner!
Amberetto_Lover
I made this last year for a Thanksgiving side. I loved it. We added not only raisins, but dried cranberries. This year I am going to scoop the squash out and bake it in a small dish like a casserole.
Kacey
It will definitely make the dish easier to serve this holiday season 🙂