Transport your taste buds to Spain with this cheesy stuffed acorn squash filled to the brim with chewy farro, smoky chorizo and nutty manchego cheese.
Winter squash season is in full force. Are you a fan? Butternut, spaghetti, acorn, delicata and more… I love them all and asking me to pick a favorite would be like asking me to pick my favorite son.
One reason I adore hard squash is because it has a much longer shelf life than its summer cousins. In fact, most varieties can sit on your counter for weeks without showing any sign of decay.
This time of year, I always like to have one or two on hand so that I can whip up a quick pot of soup, toss a hearty salad or roast a batch to go with dinner.
The health benefits of winter squash are endless but here are a few reasons we add it to our diet:
- Fights Cancer: Winter squash is full of antioxidants and contains many anti-inflammatory properties which have been shown to help prevent cancer including prostate and colon cancer.
- Nutrient Dense: Just one cup of winter squash provides an excellent source of nutrients including Vitamins A, C, B6, copper and potassium.
- Promotes Weight Loss: Low in calorie and full of fiber, winter squash is going to fill you up without filling you out. Try swapping out spaghetti squash for pasta, replacing oil with pumpkin in baked goods or adding pureed winter squash to mac and cheese.
For a one-two punch, I decided to add another super food to the mix and created a Spanish inspired Stuffed Acorn Squash with Chorizo and Farro. Farro, one of my favorite ancient grains, adds a chewy, nutty texture that plays perfectly with the sweet and tender acorn squash. Smoky chorizo, fire roasted tomatoes and earthy Manchego cheese ties it all together.
What is your favorite winter squash recipe? I’m always open for more ideas!
Your fork is waiting.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Farro and Chorizo
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup Spanish cooked chorizo minced or 1 link
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne optional
- 1 cup green peas frozen
- 1 cup shredded Manchego cheese or Pecorino Romano
- minced scallions optional garnish
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and place all four acorn squash halves on a 9 x 13 baking pan or glass baking dish.
- Rub the insides of the squash with olive oil and half of the salt and pepper (1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.) Flip squash cut side down then roast in the oven until fork tender, 20-25 minutes.
- While squash is roasting, heat chorizo in a large skillet over medium high heat and stir frequently. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes or until oils start to release.
- Remove chorizo from pan using a slotted spoon and let drain on a plate covered with paper towel.
- Add diced onion to the warm pan and sprinkle in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion becomes translucent about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked farro, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika and cayenne. Cook until heated through, 4-5 minutes.
- Add green peas and cook until bright green - 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
- Scoop farro and chorizo mixture into all four halves of the squash. Feel free to fill the squash up high!
- Sprinkle each half evenly with shredded Manchego cheese.
- Bake until cheese is brown and bubbly, 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with minced scallions.
Nutrition Facts:
Disclosure: I am in a long term paid partnership with Bob’s Red Mill. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. As always, all thoughts are 100% my own.
Check out my Pinterest board for more healthy and easy dinner recipes!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Wow this looks delicious! I’m totally thinking of Spain now and want to be transported there via this recipe :)
Liz DellaCroce
I want to go back to Spain so much!
Shanna @ pineapple and coconut
I love this!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks girlfriend!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry
First of all… acorn squash is my jam! These look absolutely fantastic with the filling! YUM!
Liz DellaCroce
hahah acorn squash is my jam too!! Thanks girl!
Gaby
This looks so amazing!!! Proof that food can be comforting and healthy at the same time!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
This is so pretty! I love squash and that filling sounds amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
I love this Mexican take on a stuffed squash!! Plus its got healthy whole grains! YAY!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t help myself!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
This looks great, Liz! I love winter squash and I especially love it stuffed. Because anytime I get to eat the actual bowl of my food is alright in my book!
Liz DellaCroce
YES!! I love eating food bowls too haha
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
This squash situation is so much perfection. Farro for life! ;)
Liz DellaCroce
Farro for life!! Can we get that trending on Twitter? #FarroForLife
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
This is totally happening soon!
Julia
Loving the flavors in this paired with the acorn squash! Beautiful Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Of all the squash, acorn is by far my favorite!! I love all the flavors in this dish (or should I say in this squash?)!! YUM
Liz DellaCroce
I think butternut is my favorite but honestly it’s so hard to pick!!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
I love all the flavors and textures going on over there! My favorite squash is probably delicata!
Liz DellaCroce
Oooo I love delicata too!!
Zainab
This is just beautiful!! And of course delicious looking :)
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you my beautiful friend!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl
Pretty excited that I have everything I need to make this in my house as I write this. What a terrific take on stuffed squash!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!!!
Matt Robinson
Love the mix of flavors in this, so perfect for this time of year!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Matt!!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
Yum. This is the 2nd delicious looking Farro recipe I’ve seen this AM. I love the nutty, chewy texture and this looks so good with that cheese on top!
Liz DellaCroce
I am so glad there are so many farro recipes lately!!
Cookin Canuck
These are so pretty to look at and I can only imagine how good they must taste stuffed with chorizo and farro!
Liz DellaCroce
I tell you, Dara, chorizo makes everything taste so good!
Cassie
One of my favorite things about fall and winter is squash! I love stuffing it too. I’m sold on this stuffing!
Liz DellaCroce
I am with you – I seriously love squash season!!! Hope you’re doing well friend!
Amy @Very Culinary
Love this!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks doll!
Rachel Cooks
Gorrrrrgeous photos, Liz!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much friend!!! You are still allowed to tease me for using my iPhone. ;) xo
Amanda
These are gorgeous! The flavor mix sounds amazing!!!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so good and easy Amanda!