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Acorn squash is a favourite of mine, partially for the flavour and partially for the truth that the squash itself turns into the bowl that you would be able to eat out of! I’ve an previous stuffed squash recipe on the weblog, and thought it was time so as to add one crammed with nutrient dense plant protein and fall flavors. Enter this excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash. It’s crammed with prime quality plant protein, important vitamins and antioxidants, and fall flavors you crave.
The most effective winter squash for stuffing
Whereas I like to make use of acorn squash, you should use different varieties to your stuffed squash. The 2 different varieties I like for this model of recipe are delicata and kabocha. Delicata squash is a bit smaller, however you could possibly use either side as one serving. The flesh can be extra skinny, permitting for extra filling versus squash if that’s most popular. Butternut it additionally an choice to serve to a gaggle and when you love spaghetti squash, you possibly can combine the excessive protein filling in after scooping the squash out.
Vitamin advantages of winter squash
You’ll get nice nutrient advantages from winter squash, too. All winter squash varieties present antioxidant carotenoids, together with beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A. They’re additionally wealthy in vitamin C, fiber and different anti-inflammatory compounds. One cup of acorn squash particularly is an effective supply of iron and magnesium, and a very good supply of potassium, all vitamins People are at excessive threat of not consuming sufficient of. It additionally gives vitamin B6 and folate, and 9 grams of fiber, which over 90% of People don’t eat sufficient of. And naturally, with the best pairing or filling, squash might be a part of a balanced meal with enough protein.
Need extra? Take a look at my Consuming Effectively article on why winter squash is so good for you.
The most effective plant proteins for stuffed squash
Currently persons are again to asking questions on whether or not plant protein is enough for muscle development and upkeep. Protein from crops might be enough for well being and efficiency and when ready appropriately, gives a satisfying style and texture at meals. The kind of crops you’re utilizing might matter although. Many wholesome vegan stuffed squash recipes look scrumptious, however are low in protein. With tempeh and quinoa although, this stuffed squash is a whole meal.
Each tempeh and quinoa supply prime quality plant protein, and also you’ll get a bit of bit extra from the pistachio topping. Prime quality proteins supply an acceptable quantity of important amino acids to assist muscle restoration and development, so not solely is that this a excessive protein vegan stuffed squash, it’s prime quality, too.
Haven’t had tempeh earlier than? Tempeh, like tofu, is a soy protein. It’s made by a fermentation course of and has a extra hearty texture that pleases meat eaters. My husband a lot prefers tempeh over tofu more often than not because of these texture variations. In the event you’re nonetheless uncertain, try this miso ginger tempeh sheet pan dinner or this buffalo tempeh sandwich.
Love what you see? Carry this excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash to your subsequent friendsgiving or vacation desk to impress vegan and omnivorous mates alike.
Excessive Protein Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This excessive protein vegan stuffed acorn squash is hearty, nutrient packed and crammed with the autumn flavors you crave!
- 2 medium acorn squash
- 2 ⅓ tbsp olive or avocado oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 bundle tempeh (8 ounces)
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 2 tbsp shelled pistachios chopped
French dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1½ tbsp entire grain mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
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Preheat oven to 425°F. After fastidiously chopping the highest and backside ends of the squash off, halve and take away seeds.
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Brush or rub 1 tsp of olive oil onto the flesh of every squash half earlier than inserting face down on a baking sheet and baking for 30-35 minutes.
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Whereas the squash is roasting, cook dinner your quinoa in accordance with bundle directions when you would not have it prepped already. Use roughly 1 cup of dry quinoa.
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Whereas the quinoa and squash are cooking, mince the garlic, chop the kale, and crumble the tempeh.
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Warmth 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium sautee pan earlier than including garlic and stirring. Then, add the crumbled tempeh and kale. Stir and canopy, letting cook dinner for 3-4 minutes earlier than stirring once more, cooking a further 3-4 minutes earlier than leaving coated and turning off the warmth.
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Because the quinoa and squash ending cooking, whisk collectively all elements for the French dressing.
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Add quinoa and French dressing to the pan with the tempeh combination and stir properly.
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As soon as squash are accomplished cooking, add every to their very own plate and divide the quinoa and tempeh combination between them.
