Quinoa and Pumpkin Seed Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

4 medium acorn squash, halved lengthwise with the seeds removed

3 cups of water

2 cups quinoa

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 ½ cups diced onion

1/2 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup diced celery

1 tablespoon minced cardamom

1/8 tablespoon of turmeric

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup diced apples

1/4 cup dried currants

1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Adjust rack to the middle shelf.

Simmer the quinoa in 3 cups of water to make fluffy, this should take 15 to 20 minutes.

While the quinoa cooks, add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook until softened, stirring frequently about 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in the carrots, celery, cardamom, and turmeric.

Using fresh apples, cut into small dices and soak with lemon juice.

Cover the pan and simmer the vegetables for 5 minutes until they are tender.

In a big bowl, toss together the quinoa and vegetables.

Stir in the dried fruit, diced apples, pumpkin seeds, nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Brush the skin of the squash lightly with olive oil.

Place the squash, cut side down, in a baking pan.

Pour 1/2-inch of boiling water into the pan and bake for 20 minutes to soften the squash.

Move the squash to a plate and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa mix, return them, stuffing-up to the pan, and bake until the flesh can be easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife.

This should take 30 minutes or less.