Quinoa Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Ingredients

• 2 medium kabocha squash, halved and seeds removed
• 2 teaspoons and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 cup red quinoa
• 1 ¼ cups water
• ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup dried unsweetened cherries
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Procedure

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Brush flesh of squash with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast cut side down on two baking sheets until tender and caramelized about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. In a small skillet over low-medium heat, toast pine nuts until deep golden brown. Set aside.
3. In a fine mesh strainer, rinse quinoa until water runs clear.
4. In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the rinsed quinoa and dry roast, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated and you begin to smell a nutty aroma. Add water.
5. Bring to a boil, turn down heat to low and cover, cooking for 15 minutes or until all liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and mix in remaining oil, goat cheese, mustard, cherries, parsley and scallion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Divide filling among squash and serve.

Yield: 4 Servings Print