Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash

 

Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash: A Delicious and Nutritious Fall Meal

As the cooler weather arrives and the leaves begin to change color, it's time to start thinking about warm, comforting meals that are both nutritious and delicious. One such meal is Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash. This dish is easy to prepare, requires just a few ingredients, and is packed with flavor and nutrition.

What is Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash?

Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash is a dish made by stuffing roasted delicata squash with a mixture of cooked millet, black lentils, onions, garlic, and herbs. Delicata squash is a small, oblong winter squash that has a thin, edible skin and a sweet, nutty flavor. Millet and black lentils are both gluten-free grains that are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a great addition to any plant-based meal.

Recipe for Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash

Ingredients:

· 2 delicata squash

· 1 cup millet

· 1 cup black lentils

· 1 onion, diced

· 2 cloves garlic, minced

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 2 teaspoons dried thyme

· Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Roast the squash in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned on the cut side.

4. While the squash is roasting, cook the millet and black lentils according to package instructions. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

6. Add the cooked millet and black lentils to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.

7. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Once the squash is done roasting, flip the halves over so the cut side is facing up. Spoon the millet and lentil mixture into the hollowed-out center of each squash half.

9. Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations on Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash

There are many ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Add roasted vegetables: To add more flavor and nutrition, try adding roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the millet and lentil mixture before stuffing the squash.

2. Use different herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding cumin, smoked paprika, or rosemary to the millet and lentil mixture.

3. Use a different type of squash: If you can't find delicata squash, you can use another type of winter squash such as acorn or butternut. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time accordingly.

4. Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Add cheese: For a creamy and indulgent twist, try adding grated cheese to the millet and lentil mixture before stuffing the squash. Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan would all be delicious options.

6. Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the onion and garlic mixture while sautéing.

7. Add nuts or seeds: To add some crunch and texture, try sprinkling chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds over the stuffed squash before baking.

8. Add greens: For some added nutrition, wilt some spinach, kale, or chard and mix it into the millet and lentil mixture before stuffing the squash.

9. Make it a meal: If you're looking for a more substantial meal, serve the stuffed squash with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Why You Should Try Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash

Not only is this dish easy to make and delicious, but it's also packed with nutrition. Millet and black lentils are both rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a great addition to any plant-based meal. Delicata squash is also a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, it's a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.

This dish is also perfect for meal prep. You can roast the squash and cook the millet and lentils ahead of time, then simply reheat and stuff the squash when you're ready to eat. It's a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner during the week.

In conclusion, Millet & Black Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash is a delicious and nutritious fall meal that's easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying it can be.