This makes a great alternative main dish for Thanksgiving, but it’s any time during fall harvest season or as a winter comfort food. Double the recipe to feed a bigger crowd.

Makes 4 substantial servings, or 8 smaller ones

• 2 medium butternut or carnival squashes (1 1/2 to 2 pounds each)
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive or other healthy vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, cut into thick 2-inch-long matchsticks
• 1/2 cup rice milk
• 1 cup frozen petite green peas, thawed
• 2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend (such as Spike or Mrs. Dash)
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and fibers. Cover with aluminum foil and place the halves, cut side up, in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife but still firm. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, leaving a firm 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick shell all around. Mash the pulp and set side until needed.

In the meantime, combine the potatoes with enough water to cover in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then simmer steadily, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add the onion and carrot and sauté over medium heat until the onion is golden and the carrot is tender-crisp. Remove from the heat.

When the potatoes are done, drain them and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the milk  and mash until smooth. Stir in the onion-carrot mixture, followed by the peas, ginger, and nutmeg. Add the reserved squash pulp, and stir gently until the mashed potato and squash are well integrated.

Divide the mixture evenly among the four squash shells. Bake for 15 minutes, until well heated through. Serve each half as one substantial portion, or cut each half crosswise to make 8 smaller portions.

• Here are more recipes to enjoy a Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Thanksgiving ^[1].
• Find more ways to make Special Occasions and Entertaining ^[2] easier and healthier.

• Here are lots more winter squash recipes. ^[3]