Name: Roasted Delicata Squash with Quinoa Stuffing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 58 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise and seeded; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 0.5 sweet red onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 tablespoon crumbled cooked bacon; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon safflower (Mexican saffron); Sea salt to taste; 1 bunch rainbow chard, stemmed and chopped; 0.25 cup vegetable broth, or as needed; 1 (4 ounce) log crumbled goat cheese; 1 teaspoon saffron; 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Embrace the season with this vibrant and comforting dish. Sweet delicata squash, roasted to perfection, cradles a savory blend of spiced ground turkey, earthy chard, and creamy goat cheese. A golden, buttery panko crust adds the perfect finishing touch. This is a dish that's both elegant and satisfying.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

0 mins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)

02

Step

0 mins

Place squash cut side-down on a shallow baking dish with about 1/2 inch water at the bottom.

03

Step

25 mins

Bake in the preheated oven until fork-tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

04

Step

15 mins

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add turkey, bacon, garlic, turmeric, cumin, safflower, and sea salt; cook and stir until turkey is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Add chard and just enough broth to create steam. Cook until chard is wilted and liquid has evaporated, about 4 minutes.

05

Step

0 mins

Drain any remaining liquid from under the squash. Flip squash cut side-up. Spread goat cheese equally over each squash half; fill cavities with the turkey mixture.

06

Step

0 mins

Toss bread crumbs and butter together lightly in a bowl; spread evenly over the squash halves. Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

07

Step

4 mins

Return squash to the oven and bake under the broiler, watching closely, until bread crumbs are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Delicata squash skin is edible, so no need to peel it!
Feel free to substitute butternut squash if delicata is unavailable. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground turkey with lentils or quinoa.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for an extra burst of flavor.