Recipe: Apple, Walnut and Cranberry Stuffed Squash

OutSmart Cancer Recipe

Credit Flickr: George Wesley & Bonita Dannells

Celebrate fall with this healthy, flavorful and easy to make recipe that is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber!

Acorn squash, apples, cranberries and walnuts are all great sources of health promoting and cancer fighting nutrients. Continue the cancer fight in the kitchen!

Squash contains vitamin A, vitamin C and is a source of dietary fiber.  It is also rich in carotenoids – both alpha-carotene and beta-carotene which are important in supporting immune function.  An apple a day? Apples are rich in vitamin C as well as quercetin which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Cranberries are one of the great Superfoods rich in plant antioxidants and cancer fighting phytochemicals.  Walnuts contain a broad range of potentially protective compounds, including omega-3s, and are another great antioxidant source.

Put these all ingredients together and you’ve packed quite a cancer fighting punch!

Pair this dish with your favorite protein like chicken or enjoy on its own!

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan Option
2 servings

Ingredients

1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
2-3 apples, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts chopped
3 Tbsp raw honey or real maple syrup (for vegan option), or a low-sugar alternative like berry compote or stevia based syrup
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp coconut oil
Sea salt

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Rub the cut sides of the squash with 1 Tbsp of raw honey and season with 1/2 Tbsp of cinnamon.

3. Place the squash on a large baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

4. Melt coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Add apples, walnuts, cranberries, raw honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt to the skillet.

6. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until apples are tender.

7. Stuff the squash with the apple mixture.

8. Place the stuffed squash back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve and enjoy with a protein, a healthy salad or on its own!