Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe Steinbeck House Restaurant & Event VenueQuinoa And Cranberry Acorn Squash Recipe

Quinoa And Cranberry Acorn Squash Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

w / choice of Light Lemon Lentil or Spicy Sweet Potato Soup or Mixed Green Salad

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Ingredients

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Quinoa and Cranberry Acorn Squash - Ingredients

Method

Quinoa and Cranberry Acorn Squash - Directions

  1. 1

    Prep and preheat

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Prepare the squash

    Cut each acorn squash in half and remove seeds. Brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil from the total 2 tablespoons. Sprinkle with 0.25 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Roast squash

    Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and set aside.

  4. 4

    Cook quinoa

    Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a small pot, bring 1.75 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

  5. 5

    Sauté aromatics

    In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in chopped sage and season with a pinch of salt.

  6. 6

    Combine filling

    Add dried cranberries to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes to plump them. Stir in the cooked quinoa and maple syrup, mixing until well combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Fill squash and bake

    Spoon the quinoa mixture into each roasted squash cavity. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.

  8. 8

    Finish and serve

    If using, sprinkle toasted almonds over the squash. Serve warm, optionally with a side such as Light Lemon Lentil Soup, Spicy Sweet Potato Soup, or Mixed Green Salad.