Butternut Squash With Whole Wheat, Wild Rice, & Onion Stuffing

Even those of us who have given up turkey welcome a Thanksgiving dish that has been “stuffed.” This satisfying dish makes a handsome centerpiece for the holiday meal.

Serves: 8

• 4 medium-small butternut squashes (about 1 pound each)
• 3/4 cup raw wild rice, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon light olive oil
• 1 heaping cup chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups firmly packed torn whole wheat bread
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Sliced fresh sage leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons season blend (such as Spike or Mrs. Dash), or to taste
• 1 cup fresh orange juice

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Halve the squashes and scoop out seeds and fibers. Place them cut side up in shallow baking dishes and cover tightly with covers or more foil. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife but still firm.

In the meantime, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the wild rice, reduce to a simmer, then cover and cook until the water is absorbed, about 40 minutes.

Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice with the sautéed onion and the remaining ingredients. When the squashes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, leaving firm shells about 1/2 inch thick. Chop the pulp and stir it into the rice mixture. Stuff the squashes, place in foil-lined baking dishes, and cover.

Before serving, place the squashes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or just until well heated through.

VARIATION: To add drama to this presentation, try this recipe with other squash varieties. Hubbard squash, delicata, sweet dumpling and golden nugget are just a few of the stuffable edible squashes available.

• Here are lots more winter squash recipes.
• Here are more recipes to enjoy a Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Thanksgiving.
• Find more ways to make Special Occasions and Entertaining easier and healthier.