Another beautiful salad option would be my pomegranate and pear green salad with ginger dressing. I'm so very happy to hear that you enjoyed my recipe..and even more so that your son did as well! Thank you for this! Top it off with some crumbled goat cheese, and youve got a dish thats sure to please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. I appreciate your feedback. Place the stuffed cucuzza in a pan or large baking dish, whichever it fits into. Check out my Thanksgiving recipe roundup for more ideas. No votes so far! Serve them with a side of rice or potatoes for a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Havent even tasted it yet but know I will love it!!! Season each half of squash generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Served with a nice baguette . great flavour!! Youre welcome, Scarlett! Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes more. Thank you so much. Tried this recipe for a vegetarian friend who is joining us for Thanksgiving Dinner. If youre looking for a way to switch up your side dish rotation, look no further than stuffed squash recipes! 1 large yellow summer squash (about 8 oz.) Bake until the squash flesh is easily pierced through by a fork, about 30 to 45 minutes. This recipe takes advantage of the squashs natural sweetness, stuffing it with a mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and spices. If you like to do this, start with sauteing a couple of sweet Italian style sausages, casings removed, until crumbled. Rub the squash with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. Prep a stuffed squash recipe in 30 minutes or less. It's a keeper. Great Recipe!! Chopped parsley and green onion offer lots of irresistible fresh flavor, and toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) contribute some savory crunch. I used Aloha chicken sausages, tomatoes and onions from my garden and shredded mexican cheese. 8. Bread crumbs, raisins, pecans, and sweet Italian sausage come together in a hearty stuffing. You can't go wrong with Parmesan. I appreciate your review. 09 of 10. Best of all, it can be made in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Sweet or savory, winter squash makes a welcome dinner on weeknights and holidays alike. We had this for Thanksgiving. I appreciate your review. And this recipe is the perfect way to show off your culinary skills to any dinner guests, vegans or otherwise. What a creative adventureIm a happy cook today! As those cook, toss together the breadcrumb blend: In a medium bowl, combine a few cloves of minced garlic . Looking forward to trying this. Bring to a boil then pour over the zucchini. Enjoy , Need to buy Cucuzza Squash seeds? Will make it again (maybe with vegan Parm next time!). It wasn't as large as I'd hoped for, but at 12" was big enough to satisfy myself and my hubby as a side dish. Here is one of the most popular Cucuzza squash recipes, Cucuzza stuffing. Im glad you were able to make this with what you had on hand! Thanks so much for trying out the recipe and for taking the time to let me know how much you liked itI sincerely appreciate it . Stir until mixture softens & add a splash of balsamic. Plus, theyre perfect for fall and winter dinners. Add the toasted pepitas, chopped green onion, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, the remaining teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. She has written about food since 2017, and her work can be found in Cooking Light, Southern Living, and more. Use it to fill acorn squash (along with butter, chicken broth, and seasoning) in this recipe that takes just 10 minutes to prep. I added some chick peas and a little more pepitas (because I love them) and swapped out pomegranate seeds for the cranberries as it was what I had on hand. thank you, Absolutely lovely! Fill them with grains or ground meat, dried fruit or vegetables, nuts or cheese. Stuffed butternut squash 18 ratings I escorted my bella home singing this song: And here's what I did with my Italian Beauty. My only changes were I added chopped fresh spinach instead of the parsley and I added chic peas. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Chop it up with your spoon, and add the spinach, parsley, and basil. Add the eggs, mineral water and the 1 Tbs. Hi there Kevin! I had no Jalepenos so I used the Korean red peper for spice. Is Chocolate a Medical Medium Compliant Food? Place the stuffed zucchini in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Garlic Zucchini Appetizer (Mutabbal Koosa), Greek Style Stuffed Eggplant/Summer Squash/Zucchini, Super Simple Grilled Zucchini (Courgette), Sheikh Al Mihshi (Stuffed Eggplant (Aubergine) ), Zucchini and Yogurt Dip (Koosa Ma' Zanjabeel). If you are new to cucuzza, it's a classic Italian recipe that uses Italian sausage and real dairy cheese. 1 Melissas Cucuzza Squash, peeled, cut into 4 equal pieces then each cut in half lengthwise, Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste, 1 Green Bell Pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced small, 1 Red Bell Pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced small, 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced small, 1 Melissas Perfect Sweet Onion, diced small. It can be steamed, microwaved, stuffed, baked, stir-fried, stewed, or u. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat and add the diced onions. When I want my cucuzza dish to be spicy, I add a jalapeno and red pepper flakes. Theyre easy to make, and theyre packed with flavor. Place on the grill, hollowed side down, and grill for 3-5 minutes or until slightly softened. Soups tend to freeze well, so you could try that as a freeze ahead option for Thanksgiving. Roast until tender yet slightly firm when you poke the flesh with a knife, about 12 minutes. The cheesy quinoa filling develops an irresistible crispy top in the oven. This recipe is a delicious twist on a classic dish. Rub the squash with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. It pairs perfectly with the savory filling, and the addition of black beans makes it even more satisfying. Vegan Sausage: If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, this can be substituted with Italian sausage. Check out more vegetable recipes on our website at heartbeetfarms.com! Scoop out the inside flesh of the zucchini with a spoon. 5. Combine lamb, rice, 1 1/4 teaspoons marjoram, 3/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon mint, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, salt and cayenne in a medium bowl. You either love its creamy texture and sweet flavor, or you find it to be too mushy and bland. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and did really well with "making it your own" with what you had on hand. Leave the oven on. I bought a cucuzza squash at the farmers market yesterday. I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help but am so glad to know someone else who loves cucuzza as much as my dad did , Your email address will not be published. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Salt and pepper. Bake until the squash flesh is easily pierced through by a fork, about 30 to 45 minutes. This recipe was amazing! Ground beef 1/2 lb. we love your recipes! Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Contact Us, 20 Best Stuffed Squash Recipes to Make for Dinner, 17 Best Buttercup Squash Recipes We Adore, 17 Delicious Vegan Spaghetti Squash Recipes, Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apples, Nuts, and Cranberries. Place the whole squash cavities back onto the baking sheet and reserve for later stuffing. Place the scooped squash "boats" onto a sheet pan, brush the interior side with good olive oil, flip them over and season the skin side with salt. Pat the anchovies dry with paper towels. Googootz is also the Italian slang for zucchini, and refers to a squash-like vegetable that Italians and Italian-Americans grow called cucuzza. I have made this every year forever snd in fact this is my second batch this season. I've actually never seen cucuzza available in the grocery stores and get mine from my dad's home garden. If you're a fan of recipes like spaghetti squash in bolognese sauce, you'll find a new favorite in our tomatoey Spaghetti Squash Casserole in the Shell. Asking him about your bad cucuzza would be one of the many things I wish I could ask him. The sweetness of the apples, the crunch of the nuts, and the tartness of the cranberries come together in this dish. Saute until onions are tender (but do not brown). If youre looking for a new and exciting way to serve up beef, then you have to try these delicious zucchini boats! And really, Ive never been (I thought) a squash lover, but I ended up w two really nice acorn squash(es?) Chop the scooped-out squash into small chunks and reserve for later use. ; Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce (optional: add 2 links of vegan sausage) and simmer (covered) for approximately 15 minutes, or . I made this last night and enjoyed everythng about it. Very bitter and sour. 1/2 Cup shredded mozzarella 1/2 Cup Italian style seasoned bread crumbs 1 egg Preheat oven to 375. Using a spoon, scrape out the center of the squash pieces, leaving about a 1/4-inch wall on the squash. Hey there! I topped it with green and purple basil i grew. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a87f10d4b31988ebdc3f8632e0621f92" );document.getElementById("d55fec7b51").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The squash is first roasted to soften the flesh, then stuffed with a savory filling of ground turkey, baby Bella mushrooms, and herbs. An Italian favorite, the squash offers a slightly sweeter mild flavor and a fairly firm inviting texture. It was delicious! Continue cooking for a few minutes unTl the mixture caramelizes. Cover, and let the mixture steam for 5 minutes. Place squash hollowed side up. Remove squash from oven. Add the chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. The ramblings and recipes of a California cook deeply rooted in her Italian heritage. I appreciate your review. Chop into small pieces and add to the skillet along with the garlic and diced tomatoes. Roast the squash. Wonderful to hear, Heather! Required fields are marked *. This recipe is definitely going to be part of my regular rotation. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat and add the diced onions. If you make both recipes at once, youll use up one standard four-ounce package of goat cheese. I subbed walnuts for pepitas (the grocery store was out). Firstly, you will need to prep the veggies + sausage: Secondly, add the ingredients for the casserole to a non-toxic skillet and saute' them on low-medium heat. The result is a yummy meal that will leave you feeling warm and full. Accessibility Policy Comment Policy Nutrition Disclaimer Photo/Recipe Policy Privacy Policy, The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Keto Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Blue Cheese, 15 of Our Top-Rated Squash Recipes to Kick off Fall, Got Squash? Stiff and stuff bird or put in casserole dish. We also sub'd shishito peppers for jalepenos-- much more consistent with the Italian theme of the dish. Herb stuffing mix Directions: Peel and chop the Cucuzza. An Italian favorite, the squash offers a slightly sweeter mild flavor and a fairly firm inviting texture. Thank you!!! Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. The result is a hearty dish that's packed with flavor. I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you enjoyed the recipeit really means a lot to me since this recipe is so special to me. This looks awesome. The acorn squash is roasted until tender, then stuffed with a savory mixture of quinoa, parsley, and dried cranberries. My gagootz was there waiting for me. SHOP HERE, Hardcore Italians President & CEO!View all posts by Mike Carioscia. Add the add-ins (vegan sausage, tomatoes, and mozzarella shredded cheese) to the baking dish and stir until everything is well combined. Allow to cook another 10 minutes or so. Please give it a rating and leave a comment belowit would make my day! Hi there Gina! It features fresh apple, which pairs beautifully with acorn squash, and a few of the same ingredientstoasted pepitas, dried cranberries and goat cheese. I appreciate your review. And if youre looking for an extra dose of protein, you can add some black beans to the mix. Thank you for trying out the recipe and for taking the time to let me know how much you liked itI sincerely appreciate it . I specialize in creating easy, healthy plant-based and Medical Medium compliant recipes that are gluten-free + vegan and made with clean, real food ingredients that you can feel good about eating. Its creamy flesh and delicate flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Chicken parmesan is a classic dish that everyone loves. Bake until the squash is tender when cut with a knife. Sprinkle the mozzarella shredded cheese topping evenly over the top of the casserole. In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, bring the oil to temperature and add the onions. Dog lover. I want to make it for a friend, but am curious if you have a suggested alternative to the quinoa? I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. Chop into small pieces and add to the skillet along with the garlic and diced tomatoes. Personally, even though I really liked the final result, I think I am more in love with the stuffing as a cold salad even without baking it. Uncover and add the pecans and onion tops. Sadly, and sharing this with a broken heart, my dad passed away last year. Cookie and Kate is a registered trademark of Cookie and Kate LLC. Here is one of the most popular Cucuzza squash recipes, Cucuzza stuffing. flour 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 1 c. nuts (pecans chopped) 1 c. raisins bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr 15 minutes **cooks notes: you may use bisquck instead of flour and omit baking soda and powder. Cant wait to eat the baked acorn! Remove any visible seeds and brush with olive oil. After that, saute' the ingredients for about 10 minutes, or until the cucuzza and onions are soft. You can now cut the squash into the size chunks you need. Mangia Bene, Cucuzza Bella! The combination of sweet squash, savory bacon, and sharp cheese in this recipe is irresistible. In a heavy fry pan or saut pan at least 3 inches deep, pour in oil to a . In another small bowl, combine the onions, garlic, rice, parsley, basil, pepper, along with 2 tablespoons of the tomato sauce-vinegar mixture. I'm Kim. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the tomato sauce and vinegar. This recipe is packed with all the flavors of Thanksgiving but without all the guilt. After a few minutes, add remaining ingredients and bring to simmer until potatoes are soft, usually about 45 minutes. My friend cannot eat quinoa without stomach issues. I will plan ahead next time and try this again using the vegan choices. Chop the garlic cloves into fine pieces and sprinkle between the squash in the pan. Drain off fat and add Cucuzza, broth, and stuffing mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, oil and sugar, creaming until smooth. Brussels sprouts, garbanzo beans, basmati rice, and julienned carrot slices team up in this vegan stuffing. Scoop out and discard the stringy core and seeds. A former associate editor at Allrecipes, she joined Dotdash Meredith in 2019. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve. Thank you so much for trying out the recipe and for taking the time to let me know how much you liked itI sincerely appreciate it . Beat the egg with a fork and add, blending it well. 1 cup chopped fresh or canned tomatoes. Will definitely make again. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet and continue cooking for another 5 minutes as the mixture steams. Time for a Stuffed Goo-Gootz. Leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Youre welcome, Annalise! We are compensated for referring traffic. We're science minded here and prefer to respect all farmers for feeding us, including conventional farmers that produce beautiful produce at reasonable prices. Combine tomato sauce with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 3/4 teaspoon mint and 1/8 teaspoon allspice in a medium saucepan. It was a very good, especially since we added the sausage raw and let it cook in. Add onions and cook until tender, 3-5 minutes. Place the stuffed zucchini in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Mound the ground beef filling into each squash. This recipe takes the sweetness of the squash and pairs it with the savory flavors of sausage and bell peppers. It was truly delicious and would make it again without hesitation. Chop into small pieces and add to the skillet along with the garlic and diced tomatoes. Theyre stuffed with a meat and spice mixture, and then theyre baked in the oven until tender. Sprinkle the additional 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Thank you for your question but I'm afraid I'm not experienced enough with cucuzza's to help you . Here's how to make this recipe and I'll show you how easy it is with step-by-step instructions below. A lot of home cooks top it with cheese. You might want to add chickpeas (see above) to fill out the stuffing mixture. The butternut squash provides a lovely canvas for the flavorful quinoa stuffing, and the cranberries add a lovely pop of color. Whether youre serving them as the main course or as a side dish, these stuffed squash recipes are sure to please. Peel and cube squash, removing seeds if necessary. I used feta cheese but maybe next time I`ll try goat cheese as it will probably give it a bit more of a creamy texture. (It's all free.). Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool. Not only is it healthy and packed with nutrients, but its also incredibly comforting and satisfying. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese, longer if you like it crispy. Arrange the halves cut-sides up on a rimmed baking sheet. Cut the top off each zucchini and carefully hollow out each one. Made this today for lunch. If you don't like spicy food or will be serving this to children, you can reduce the amounts or omit. You can't go wrong with Parmesan. Chop it up with your spoon, and add kale, parsley, and basil. Salty bacon and creamy, tangy goat cheese complement the sweetness of diced apples and delicata squash halves. Im Kim. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the squash cavities and cover. We made it with real sausage and cheese, and don't use organic produce. Combine glaze ingredients and baste meat and top of squash. Its a casserole made with fresh garden vegetables and is a comfort meal everyone will love! Place the stuffed zucchini in a lasagna pan or large baking dish, whichever it fits into. Place flesh side down on a large baking sheet, and roast in a 425 degrees F heated oven until tender. We were making so many things with it, different varieties of stew, dehydrated cucuzza chips in the dehydrator and even cucuzza salsa. and that's the only time I've eaten it - when I made it at his house or brought some home to cook. Thanks for the recipe that will now be in the rotation. This really hit the spot in terms of filling, yummy flavors for fall. Simmer an additional 20-30 minutes, until cucuzza is tender. I loved this recipe. Its pale green skin is thin yet inedible and encases a creamy white flesh. Cucuzza, known for its extreme length, can grow anywhere from fifteen inches to three feet in length and can be upwards of three inches in diameter. Loosely stuff each zucchini with the lamb mixture. "I like to double the blue cheese, especially when using a milder variety," recipe submitter says France C. Curry powder and red curry paste coat brown rice, bell pepper, daikon radish, celery, collard greens, and walnuts. I wonder if this can be made with lentils instead of chick peas for added protein. Hi Dana, you can try brown rice instead. 3. is an Italian-American blog covering Italian culture, news, recipes, and more! Great to hear you enjoyed it, Beverly! (I may also have scarfed the leftover stuffing.) In the past, I've also incorporated Italian sausage into my stuffing. Roasted acorn squash halves topped with herbed quinoa make a delicious holiday-worthy main dish. The squash is first roasted to soften the flesh, then stuffed with a savory filling of ground turkey, baby Bella mushrooms, and herbs. In a large bowl, add raw meat, water, rice, and add spices. I made this for dinner tonight. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the squash, and sprinkle with teaspoon of the salt. Place squash cut-side down in a roasting pan and pour water in pan. Hi Dana, I dont think this would work well frozen. Acorn squash bakes up even faster, in as little as 35 minutes. Serve it as is, or top it with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for an extra zesty kick. Cucuzza, pronounced Googootz, is an Italian term of endearment. Plus, its Paleo and Whole30 compliant, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Some folks are unfamiliar with this elongated green squash variety, but those in the know look forward to it every autumn season. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! The combination of savory sausage, fluffy rice, and tart cranberries is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! Baked Stuffed Winter Squash. A suggestion, cut the acorn squash through the middle, the resulting scalloped edge makes it even more festive. Try this stuffed cucuzza recipe, 1/2 cup Italian style seasoned breadcrumbs. Why settle for a boring old zucchini when you could have a zucchini boat? Vegan Shredded Cheese: If you don't need the recipe to be vegan, this can be substituted with real dairy mozzarella shredded cheese. Is this not a make ahead recipe? Scoop out the inside flesh of the cucuzza with a spoon. "My daughter is vegetarian so I'm always looking at vegetarian or vegan dishes to make when she comes home for a few days," Hermelinda Hoelscher says. Here are some of my expert tips to make this recipe perfectly: Cucuzza. Make it for your holiday dinner or serve it on a relaxed weeknight at home. Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until the tops begin to brown. Thanks! Change it up: You can add more protein to this dish by stirring 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1 cups cooked chickpeas), into the quinoa mixture. Pack the mixture into the hollowed out zucchini and top with the reserved parmesan cheese. Mix well. Increase oven temperature to 375. { Plant-Based | Vegan | Dairy-Free | Soy-Free | Nut-Free }. Nutty farro, pecans, meaty mushrooms, and cranberries make this stuffed squash worthy of special occasions and special dinner guests. I appreciate your review. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, and its sure to please even the most skeptical eaters. I reduced the parmesan and cranberries a little because I have blood sugar issues (and I added some black beans instead of the chickpeas) AND it was so so good. This time, I stirred dried cranberries into the hot quinoa to give them a chance to plump up. I love growing cucuzza squash. Your email address will not be published. So delicious. Ground pork 1-2 Large onions (chopped) 1 Small bell pepper (chopped) 2 Ribs celery (chopped) 1 Cup beef broth 1 pkg. 12. A cucuzza, or gagootz, is either a really big Italian squash, or a derogatory term for a really big Italian goofball. Saute the ground beef, pork, onion, bell pepper, and celery in margarine All rights reserved. And theyre perfect for a light summer meal. If the mixture is very hot, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese and goat cheese. Scoop out the inside flesh of the zucchini with a spoon. I appreciate your review. This vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe is beautiful and delicious! Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and especially the additions you made! Instagram ⋄ Pinterest ⋄ Facebook, Subscribe to our email newsletter! Thank you in advance! Low-carb diet or not, this stuffed spaghetti squash recipe makes a decadent dinner thanks to sour cream, bacon, and blue cheese. Using a spoon, scrape out the center of the squash pieces, leaving about a 1/4-inch wall on the squash. Click Heart to view our HeartBeet Cartoons, Vegetable education book for kids Sustainable veggies on hold for now until we find the right land Learn more at link below , Share on Facebook Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. My sicilan husband loved it! vegetable oil and whisk just until blended. It definitely produces ALOT which is how I ended up with the ones I got from my dad's garden. Its then topped with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. In a medium skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the pepitas are turning golden on the edges and making little popping noises, about 4 to 5 minutes. I've never been able to find any myself at the ones near us and had only gotten mine from my dad's garden. Thanks for your recipes! First batch was great. Theres nothing quite like roasted acorn squash stuffed to the brim with your favorite vegan fillings. This is awesome, Im serving it for Thanksgiving as a side for non-vegans and main for vegans. I love your ideas for additions to "make-it-your-own" and customize it to your liking! I already want to eat this again. Add Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired. Make it dairy free/vegan: Omit both varieties of cheese. Follow the rest of the recipe as written. Enjoy. Im really excited to share this recipe with you. Hi there Brooke! As written, you should have exactly enough filling to stuff four medium squash halves. Place in the hot oven for 30 minutes, or until it begins to soften. I am not going to give this a star rating because I am pretty sure that I already have done so at some point. Youre welcome, Rosemary! See our, Please let me know how it turned out for you! We recommend our users to update the browser. There are so many delicious directions to take w these that I know Ill be revisiting this recipe again soon. Enjoy! Remove from heat and transfer to the prepared baking dish. It was super easy to make and looks lovely on the plate. Step 1: Prep the Veggies + Sausage Firstly, you will need to prep the veggies + sausage: Place on the grill, hollowed side down, and grill for 3-5 minutes or until slightly softened. 1 pound lean ground turkey.