Step 1 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Place oven racks in upper-third and lower-third positions in oven.
Tools
Step 2 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Tools
Step 3 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Coat two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
Tools
Step 4 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Cut a thin slice from the skin side of each squash half so it sits flat.
Tools
Step 5 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Brush each squash half with olive oil on the cut side, and season with salt and pepper. Place five squash halves on each baking sheet with the cavity side down.
Tools
Step 6 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roast the squash on upper-third and lower-third racks of oven, switching pan positions halfway through cook time, until just tender when pierced with a knife, 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Leave the oven on.
Tools
Step 7 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan combine quinoa with the salt and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
Tools
Step 8 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
While the squash and quinoa cook, cut the onion and carrots into a 1/4-inch dice. Remove stems from the mushrooms and thinly slice the caps. Mince the garlic.
Tools
Step 9 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and mushrooms are lightly browned, about 12 minutes.
Tools
Step 10 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stir in the cranberries and pecans and cook for 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the quinoa (transfer everything to a large bowl if it won't all fit).
Tools
Step 11 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Turn the squash halves over so the cavities face up. Spoon quinoa mixture into each cavity, mounding the filling as necessary.
Tools
Step 12 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Bake on upper-third and lower-third racks of oven until filling and squash are heated through, about 10 minutes.
Tools
Step 13 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Check to see that squash are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
Tools
Step 14 of 14
Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Transfer squash to a platter. If you like, season to taste with more salt and drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.