Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Name: Cheesy Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H40M0.000S
Ingredients: 2 small acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), plus more for topping; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

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Level: Easy
Total: 40 min

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min

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Ingredients

2 small acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), plus more for topping

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

Directions

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 425 degrees F. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a large microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon water; dot with 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce with a knife to vent. Microwave until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring to melt. Add the nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the rice and spinach.

Transfer the squash to a rimmed baking sheet and fill with the rice mixture. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Top with parsley.

Photograph by Charles Masters

Courtesy of Food Network Magazine