Quinoa And Cranberry Acorn Squash W / Choice Of Light Lemon Lentil Or Spicy Sweet Potato Soup Or Mixed Green Salad Recipe
Make Quinoa And Cranberry Acorn Squash W / Choice Of Light Lemon Lentil Or Spicy Sweet Potato Soup Or Mixed Green Salad Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Main: Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash (Blue Zone Inspired)
Side Option A: Light Lemon Lentil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
Side Option B: Spicy Sweet Potato Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
Side Option C: Mixed Green Salad (Blue Zone Inspired)
Method
Main: Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 1
Prep and roast squash
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds. Brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast 25-30 minutes until tender.
- 2
Cook quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 1.5 cups vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- 3
Prepare filling
In a skillet, toast walnuts (if using) in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2-3 minutes. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Stuff squash and finish
If desired, scoop a bit of squash flesh into the quinoa mixture to brighten flavor. Spoon quinoa mixture into each roasted squash half. Return to the oven and bake 10 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Side Option A: Light Lemon Lentil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 5
- 6
Add aromatics
Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 7
Simmer soup
Rinse lentils. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Add cumin, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- 8
Finish and serve
Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Side Option B: Spicy Sweet Potato Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 9
- 10
Add potatoes and spices
Add diced sweet potatoes, cumin, and ancho chili powder. Cook 5 minutes, stirring.
- 11
Simmer
Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- 12
Blend and finish
Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in coconut milk (if using) and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro.
Side Option C: Mixed Green Salad (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 13
Prepare dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- 14
Toss salad
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
- 15
Add toppings
Sprinkle with toasted almonds or seeds and cheese if using.