To be the only vegetarian in a Thanksgiving table filled with non-vegetarians could be a bit awkward. I understand, because I’ve been that vegetarian while dining for many of my Thanksgivings. Previously I’ve been pretty insistent that I don't require a primary course. You will find generally lots of meatless sides and unless of course you are making your personal vegetarian holiday entre, you actually don’t understand what you’re stepping into. Veggie dogs, pizza bagels and turkeys sculpted from seitan are options. Yup, awkward.
Sooner or later I recognized the best way to avoid everything clumsiness and also have a scrumptious primary course ended up being to leave my butt and craft one by myself. The important thing to carrying this out without making things much more awkward is that this: produce a dish that the meat-eaters while dining can appreciate, and even perhaps enjoy like a side. No, they’re not in to the whole seitan sculpture factor, but neither shall we be held, for instance.
Sweet, scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth winter squash is one thing everyone jump on board with, and delicata squash is simply that. In situation you aren’t familiar, I’ll just inform you that delicata is essentially the best winter squash, within my humble opinion. It’s got all of the sweetness of butternut, but is available in a pleasant little package that’s far more convenient. Additionally you don’t need to peel it! Prepare it using the skin on, then eat it this way. You won’t even keep in mind that you left your skin on, once you begin chowing lower.
Since we’re speaking Thanksgiving, and squash halves possess a neat little boat shape that’s ideal for holding stuff, I went ahead and cooked up a stuffing in my roasted delicata squash. Instead of traditional bread stuffing, I opted for wild grain, since i love the way the grainy texture pairs using the gentleness from the squash. Lentils add a little bit of protein, dried cranberries a little bit of sweetness, and dried herbs provide some nice savory flavor.
Wild Grain, Lentil & Cranberry Stuffed Delicata Squash
Prep Time: ten minutes
Prepare Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: forty-five minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Think being vegetarian means passing up on a vacation primary course? Reconsider! These tender roasted delicata squash motorboats are full of a sweet and savory mixture of herbed wild grain, lentils and cranberries. Make sure to make extra therefore the non-vegetarians can also enjoy some too!
For that Wild Grain, Lentil & Cranberry Stuffing:
For that Roasted Squash:
Result in the Wild Grain, Cranberry & Lentil Stuffing:
Roast the Delicata Squash:
The lentils prepare up a little softer than usual, to supply some contrast using the grainy texture from the wild grain. If you like your lentils firm, just add these to the saucepan about ten minutes following the grain.
Save your time by preparing the stuffing ahead of time and reheating it your day of serving. Just give a couple of splashes water as well as heat briefly within the microwave or perhaps in a skillet over medium heat. You may also ready your squash by cutting and taking out the seeds each day approximately ahead of time.
About Alissa
Alissa Saenz crafts vegan recipes on her blog Connoisseurus Veg. When she’s not cooking and blogging about this, she’s most likely participating in some type of yoga, arts crafts, or lawyering. Find out more from Alissa →
