Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
These little honeynut squash are so cute, perfectly portioned, and practically begging to be stuffed with this amazing Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf. Whether for a holiday, or any day, your taste buds will sing for more.
What does honeynut squash taste like and is it healthy?
Oh boy are you in for a treat with these babies! Honeynut squash may look like miniature butternut squash, but the flavor is amplified! The flesh is more orange – more like that of a sweet potato, and the honeynut squash is even sweeter. I suppose that’s why they named it HONEYnut. And when you roast it up, like in this recipe, it takes on a caramelly warmth that is practically irresistible!
In terms of healthfulness, it’s along the lines of a butternut squash, but BETTER! The honeynut contains more beta carotene than butternut – about twice the amount. Plus, it’s a good source of B vitamins, and fiber, and even has some calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc! Impressive for such a cutie, and an excellent addition to your heart healthy diet!
FAQs and Substitutions
I got mine at Trader Joe’s. I know they are also carried at Whole Foods, and many local farmer’s markets also have them. They’ve become more popular in recent years.
Yes, any type of winter squash will do. Your roasting time may vary, and the amount of stuffing you use will of course be different, but other types of squash would be delicious with the stuffing too!
This is one of the very few times I’ll honestly recommend using sweetened. Unless you really love unsweetened cranberries, pick what you’re going to enjoy eating, and watch your added sugar intake elsewhere. 🙂
Here are some other Autumn inspired dishes that would go great with this recipe:
- Easy Skilled Tempeh with Caramelized Onions and Grapes
- Cauliflower Salad with Apricots and Toasted Hazelnuts
- Roasted Kale Salad with Apple Maple Vinaigrette
If you try Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf, let me know how you like it in the comments!
Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
These little honeynut squash are so cute, perfectly portioned, and practically begging to be stuffed with this amazing Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf. Whether for a holiday, or any day, your taste buds will sing for more.
Ingredients
- 4 Honeynut Squash halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- 1 cup Apple Cider
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Wild Rice
- 4 Sprigs of Thyme, divided
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- ½ medium Onion, chopped
- 1 small Carrot, chopped
- ¾ cup Brown Rice
- 1 ½ cup Homemade Vegetable Broth
- ⅓ cup Dried Cranberries
- ⅓ cup Toasted Pistachios, no salt added, roughly chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400° F.
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Place squash halves, cut side down, on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until very soft.
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Meanwhile, combine apple cider, water, wild rice, and 2 thyme sprigs in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to simmer for about 35 minutes, until the rice is soft. Drain, but don’t rinse.
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In another pot, heat oil over medium heat, and add the onion and carrot and 2 remaining thyme sprigs. Saute for about 5 minutes, until starting to soften.
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Add the brown rice, stir, and saute another minute more.
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Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is done (read the package instructions – mine cooks in just 20 minutes).
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When both rices are done, combine the drained wild rice with the brown rice/vegetable mixture, and add the dried cranberries and pistachios. As you stir, find and remove the 4 sprigs of thyme (which will now have no leaves on them).
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Taste the pilaf, and add freshly ground pepper to taste, and a little salt only if needed.
To serve:
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Gently flip over the squash halves, using a pancake turner if needed.
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Fill the hole in each squash with the pilaf, and continue to mound it over the top.
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Serve hot, sprinkled with additional fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
