Persian Rice Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipes

RICE-STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each half so it sits flat. Place cut side down in an 11x7-in. baking dish; add 1/2 in. of hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes., Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. When cool enough to handle, scoop out pulp, leaving about a 1/4-in. shell. , In a large bowl, combine the pulp, rice, cheese, cranberries, chutney, onion, curry powder, salt and pepper. Spoon into squash shells. Dot with butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until squash is tender.

SUNNY'S QUICK WILD RICE AND SAUSAGE STUFFED SQUASH

Steps:

• For the squash: Prick the squash all over with a fork. Place on a plate and microwave, flipping halfway through, until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool until easy to handle.
• Cut off the squash stem, then cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the seeds and leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh within the skin to help maintain its shape. Level off the squash halves so they rest without tilting by cutting a tiny slice off each skin side. Place on a baking sheet, flesh-side up.
• Add the rice, bocconcini, raisins, walnuts, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper to the bowl with the scooped squash and mix well to combine.
• For the sausage: Add the olive oil, onions, sausage, curry powder, thyme and salt and pepper to taste to a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the sausage into small crumbles, until the sausage is cooked through, 5 to 10 minutes. Add to the bowl with the squash and stir to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fill the hollowed squash halves with the mixture and roast it until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the cilantro, drizzle over some olive oil and serve warm.

VEGAN WILD-RICE-STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
• Whisk together the vinegar, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons oil. Brush the flesh-side of the squash halves with some of the maple-oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with the maple-oil mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Let the squash rest until cool enough to handle. Scoop some of the flesh out into a large bowl, leaving about 1/4-inch border of flesh all around. Leave the scooped-out flesh in relatively large chunks.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the rice, curry powder, cinnamon, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes (different brands of wild rice may vary in cooking times; add more water if needed). Remove from heat and add to the chunks of butternut squash along with the remaining maple-oil, cherries, parsley, sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
• Evenly stuff the scooped-out squash halves with the filling, then drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and bake, uncovered, until the filling is warmed through, about 30 minutes. Cut each in half crosswise and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with walnuts and parsley. Serve warm.

RICE STUFFING WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice and bay leaves, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook as the label directs; drain well. Discard the bay leaves. Spread out the rice on a baking sheet to cool.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until softened and golden, 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Add the broth, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
• Whisk the egg in a large bowl. Stir in the rice, squash, leek-broth mixture, cranberries and parsley. Transfer to the baking dish; top with the pecans. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into small cubes; scatter over the pecans. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 20 more minutes.Special equipment: