Ultimate Stuffed Acorn Squash
The Native American “three sisters”—corn, beans, and squash—come together in these
individual holiday entrées stuffed with corn pudding and black beans.
8 SERVINGS
Ingredients
3 Tbs. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.), divided
4 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1/2 tsp. ancho chile powder, plus more for sprinkling squash
1/2 tsp. ground coriander, plus more for sprinkling squash
3 cups fresh or frozen organic corn kernels, divided
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 large eggs
4 Tbs. melted butter or olive oil
3 oz. soft goat cheese or low-fat cream cheese (1/3 cup)
3 oz. grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (3/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling tops, optional
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large poblano chile or 1 small red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
8 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced (1 cup), plus more for sprinkling tops
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine oil and 2 tsp. minced garlic in small bowl. Brush squash
halves with garlic oil, and sprinkle lightly with ancho chile powder and coriander. Season with
salt and pepper, if desired, and place on large baking sheet.
2. Pulse 2 cups corn kernels in food processor until finely chopped and milky. Set aside.
3. Whisk 1/2 tsp. each coriander and ancho chile powder into cornmeal, along with sugar, baking
soda, salt, and cayenne (if using) in medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Whisk together buttermilk and eggs in separate bowl. Whisk in butter, then puréed corn,
remaining 1 cup corn kernels, goat cheese, Cheddar, and remaining 2 tsp. garlic. Fold in
cornmeal mixture with spatula, then fold in black beans, poblano chile, and green onions.
5. Divide filling among squash halves. Sprinkle each squash with extra Cheddar (if using).
6. Bake squash halves 30 to 45 minutes, or until squash are tender and filling is set. Sprinkle with
green onions. Squash can be prepared 24 hours ahead, then reheated 20 minutes at 325°F.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 425
Carbohydrate Content: 53 g
Cholesterol Content: 80 mg
Fat Content: 20 g
Fiber Content: 8 g
Protein Content: 15 g
Saturated Fat Content: 10 g
Sodium Content: 533 mg
Sugar Content: 6 g