Delicata Squash Stuffed with Turkey and Brown Rice

Sweet delicata squash is the star of this Asian-inspired Delicata Squash Stuffed with Turkey and Brown Rice. The squash is roasted and stuffed with ground turkey, brown rice, sautéed peppers, kale, and Asian spices. Yummy!

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Have you discovered deliciously sweet delicata squash yet? If not, you're missing out! I picked up these beauties at Trader Joe's and made this healthy fall dish.

Wow! Delicata squash is so amazing when roasted, so why not stuff it with the goodness of ground turkey and brown rice?  You don't even need to peel it -- the entire squash is edible! How great is that?

What is Delicata Squash?

Delicata squash is a variety of winter squash with an edible rind with green or orange stripes. As its name suggests, it has a soft, "delicate" rind. Delicata squash is most commonly baked, but can also be microwaved, sautéed or steamed. It may be stuffed with meat or vegetable mixtures, and is known for its ease of cooking and creamy flavor and texture.

Where to find this incredibly tasty gourd? Trader Joe's, of course! My go-to for just about everything!

Steps to make stuffed delicata squash

1. Microwave the whole delicata squash for 3 minutes. Remove and let cool. Cut the squash in half length-wise. Scoop out the seeds and place on a baking tray sprayed with canola oil, cut side down. Spray the tops of the squash and sprinkle with a dash of salt. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a heavy wok, sauté the garlic, onions and red chili peppers until onions are translucent. Add in the bell peppers and sauté another 2 minutes. Add in the mushrooms and ginger, sauté another 2 minutes until softened. Add in the ground turkey and salt, and break up into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Stir in the brown rice and chopped kale and cook until all ingredients are cooked through and well combined.
3. To make the sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and sambal oelek over a low heat. Pour the sauce over the turkey mixture and stir well to incorporate. Toss with fresh cilantro and mint, and lime juice.
4. To make the spicy aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sambal oelek.
5. Stuff each half of the delicata squash with the turkey mixture. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes. Drizzle each squash with the spicy aioli. Serve immediately.

After microwaving the delicata squash, they'll roast in the oven, flesh-side down, for 10 minutes before stuffing them.

I used lots of sautéed veggies for the stuffing, like chopped kale and bell peppers, herbaceous mint, and cilantro. The veggies are tossed together with cooked brown rice, a touch of heat with sambal oelek (Thai red chili paste), and red curry paste.

This Delicata Squash Stuffed with Turkey and Brown Rice is a meal your entire family will rave over! Drizzle the squash with a bit of spicy aioli if you'd like. It's the final touch!

The end result will blow your mind! This Delicata Squash Stuffed with Turkey and Brown Rice is a colorful creation of pure yumminess!

TIPS & TRICKS

• You do not have to peel the delicata squash. Unlike other gourds, the entire squash is edible!
• You can use any sautéed vegetables of your choice! And if you don't like brown rice, then use white instead!
• Make this vegetarian by leaving out the ground turkey. Or switch out the protein with ground beef, chicken, or pork.

WANT MORE?

If you liked this Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe, you’re going to want these recipes:

• Stuffed Acorn Squash with Turkey and Rice
• Savory Butternut Squash Galettes
• Miso Butternut Squash Soup
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Bok Choy Frittata

SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING 

2017 Gallivant Chardonnay from the Central Coast, CA. Opulent and plush with aromas of yellow apple, vanilla and baking spices and flavors of baked pear and brioche on a medium-bodied frame with a bright finish. BUY THIS WINE

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Scout & Cellar is more than just a wine; it’s an invitation to experience wine as nature intended: Our wines are Clean-Crafted, grown naturally and bottled consciously. ♻️ Pure, honest and downright delicious! Scout & Cellar is here to offer a cleaner, healthier, altogether better wine experience to everyone! Clean-Crafted Means…. Wines that are grown without synthetic pesticides vinified with NO modification, no added chemicals preservatives or pesticides, and no added sugar, ever! No added anything. Just pure, clean wine! AND delivered to your door by Scout & Cellar!

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Update Notes: This post was originally published on October 30, 2017, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step-by-step instructions and tips in October 2020.

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