Fruit-Filled Acorn Squash
A vibrant, sweet-filled acorn squash dish featuring dried apricots, raisins, and toasted almonds, perfect for a cozy, nutritious vegetarian main or side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a vegetable steamer.
- Arrange apricot halves around the squash in the steamer.
- Place the steamer over boiling water in a Dutch oven.
- Cover and steam for 15 minutes or until the squash is crisp-tender.
- Coarsely chop the dried apricots.
- Combine the chopped apricots, raisins, apricot preserves, water, and a dash of salt.
- Spoon the fruit mixture evenly into each squash half.
- Cover and steam for an additional 5 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit mixture. If you don’t have apricot preserves, use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. For added texture, try mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the almonds. This dish can also be adapted to suit vegan recipes by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit-filled acorn squash as a delightful side dish or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh salad, such as Ann'S Rice Salad, for a balanced meal. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fruit-filled acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash halves in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit-Filled Acorn Squash contains roughly 57 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butternut squash or even pumpkin for the acorn squash. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and type of squash you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the squash and fruit mixture a day ahead. Just steam the squash and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving and reheat as necessary for a quick and easy meal.
What can I serve with fruit-filled acorn squash?
This dish pairs well with proteins like grilled chicken or fish. You might also consider serving it alongside a fresh market fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or some roasted vegetables for a more hearty plate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).