Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash

Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty dish filled with roasted acorn squash, sautéed mushrooms, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized acorn squash
• 4 tablespoons Ultra-Premium olive oil
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ¼ cups wild rice blend, uncooked
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• ½ teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Infused Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• Fresh ground pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Acorn Squash:
   • Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and strings. Rub the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of garlic olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Place squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until fork-tender. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare Wild Rice and Mushrooms:
   • While squash is roasting, heat a saucepan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add broth, wild rice, and thyme to the pot. Cover, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is cooked. If rice is still firm, add 1-2 tablespoons broth and cook longer.
   • In a skillet, sauté mushrooms with a bit of oil until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Add cooked mushrooms, parsley, and walnuts to the pot with the cooked wild rice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Stuff each acorn squash half with the wild rice mixture, packed gently. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
   • Return stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until tops are golden brown and bubbly.
4. Serve:
   • Remove from oven and serve hot as a delicious vegetarian main dish or hearty side.

Enjoy your Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash!