Roasted delicata squash boats are basted with a spicy sauce and stuffed with a fruity quinoa pilaf. This richly flavored vegan and gluten-free dish is a perfect side dish (think Thanksgiving!) or a protein-packed main dish all through the fall.
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Delicata squash is a natural for stuffing thanks to it's oblong shape that's hollowed out. And it's easy to prep since you don't need to peel the skin.
Use it in salads or in a galette with apples and caramelized onions, but stuffing it is a wonderful fall dinner whether you use this recipe or stuff it with spinach, quinoa, tofu, and apples.
โค๏ธ Why you'll love this recipe
- This dish is both vegan and gluten-free.
- Delicata squash roasts quickly and you don't need to peel it. The skin is completely edible. And if you air fry it at 400หF for 10 - 15 minutes, it's even faster.
- This shape of squash is perfect for hollowing out and stuffing.
- Thanks to the protein packed quinoa, it's a great vegetarian and vegan main dish.
- The quinoa or the entire pilaf can be made ahead, which means this dinner can be ready in 30 minutes.
- The chipotle chiles in adobo with the maple syrup add a lot of flavor (smoky + sweet) to the squash and the entire dish.
๐ง Main Ingredients + Notes
The secret to many dishes often lies in the ingredients. For example, some ingredients make a huge difference to the flavor and/or texture of the finished recipe. And purchasing the right ingredients can save you valuable time in the kitchen.
This list only covers ingredients that require some notes. For all of the ingredients, measurements, and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.
- Delicata squash - purchase squash that is firm and a creamy yellow color.
- Quinoa - I use white quinoa, as pictured, but red quinoa will work too. Or make it colorful by using a quinoa mixture.
- Apple cider - apple juice can be substituted but it lacks the depth of flavor that apple cider offers.
- Apples - any apple that bakes well can be used except Granny Smith, which are too tart for this recipe. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady are all good choices.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.
๐ช Recommended Equipment
Having the right equipment for recipes makes prepping much easier. If you want more fuss-free prepping and cooking, check out my updated list ofย favorite kitchen tools and equipment.
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Chef's knife
- Basting brush
- Small pot
โฐ Tips to Simplify and Save Time
- Cook the quinoa ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 - 7 days. Or freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 1 month.
- Make the stuffing ahead and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Baste and air fry the delicata squash for 10 minutes at 400หF, check for doneness and move the squash around in the air fryer basket, and air fry for another 5 minutes or as necessary.
๐กIdeas for Possible Variations
- Add 1 tablespoon of Apple Brandy (Calvados) to the apple cider as it reduces on the stove top.
- Top with pepitas before serving.
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Spicy Delicata Squash + Fruity Quinoa Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon minced chipotles in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- โ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Delicata squash halved lengthwise with seeds and pulp removed
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 apple peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dried apricots
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ห F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and maple syrup.
- Lay each delicata squash half on the prepared baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Generously baste all of the cut and hollowed out surfaces of the cut squash with most of the sauce. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the squash and baste with the remaining sauce. Roast for another 10 minutes or until tender.Air Fryer Tip: Roast the basted squash in a 400หF air fryer for 10 minutes. Check for doneness, baste with the remaining sauce if needed, and air fry for another 5 minutes.
- In a small pot, bring the apple cider to a simmer. Add the apple pieces, along with the dried fruit. Simmer until the cider is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Strain, retaining the reduced apple cider.
- Combine the cooked quinoa with the strained fruit and toss. Add a couple of tablespoons of the reduced apple cider, or to taste. Spoon the quinoa and fruit mixture over the roasted Delicata squash boats.
- Serve warm.
TasteFood
Congrats on Yummly - what a lovely recipe. Although I must disagree about the turkey... a brined turkey is something we look forward to every Thanksgiving!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Lynda! We've have to agree to disagree on the turkey, although I'm sure I would like your version much better than the ones I've tried ๐
Sunithi
Looks yumm ! I could pass over turkey for this ๐ !
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Sunithi! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!
lapadia
Love squash boats, as you know! And I'm with you on the turkey ๐ Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Yes, I originally got the idea for squash boats a couple of years ago from your wonderful zucchini recipe on Food52! I loved seeing the video last week of your TV appearance with them ๐
Norma Chang
Happy Thanksgiving and congratulations on Yummly! I am with you regarding the tukey. The squash boat is much more appealing.
Norma Chang recently posted sweet potato noodles.: http://gardentowok.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/sweet-potato-noodles/
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Norma - we're totally on the same page ๐
Choc Chip Uru
Squash but fruity, I'm loving this boat recipe ๐
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Rita Held Cartalano
Great idea Susan. I am always up for something non-traditional. This year we're having several vegetarians for dinner, so I'm making butternut squash lasagna (no turkey!). Though we will have pumpkin pie for dessert because I love it for breakfast with coffee.
Btw, an excellent recipe search site is http://www.ProjectFoodie.com which has all the food magazine recipes, lots of the Food Network, and many cookbooks. You can save to your own recipe box etc. A local Bay Area foodie started it several years ago; she also happens to be a techie so the search part is excellent and fast! REALLY.
mjskit
Congratulations on having your recipes featured on Yummy!!!! That's fabulous! Need to go check this one and the rest out. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks MJ!! I was really excited ๐
Terra
I love this recipe, and what a great recipe roundup! This is so pretty, along with looking delish:-) Hugs, Terra
Hannah
Congratulations on the Yummly feature! This is a beautiful dish and perfect for a festive holiday table. I'm all about the side dishes at Thanksgiving. Wising you a wonderful holiday!