Stuffed Acorn Squash and Curried Lentils

Stick with me here.

I know more than a few people will see the word "lentils" and immediately click out of the post, unaware of the delicious meal they will be missing out on.

Lentils are an underused source of protein, a fantastic place to gather iron, and a cheap pantry staple. When you add spices and coconut milk and then stuff the concoction into a deliciously caramelized acorn squash, there's almost nothing better.

To make this delicious meal, you will need:

• 2 acorn squashes, cut in half with the seeds removed

• 1 c. red or brown lentils

• 2.5 c. chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 1 T. olive oil

• 1 c. full-fat coconut milk

• 2 tsp. curry powder

• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1 tsp. salt, or to taste

• 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste

• 2 c. spinach

1. Preheat the oven to 450 F and oil your baking sheet. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the acorn squash halves.

2. Place the acorn squash halves on the baking sheet, cut side down.

3. Bake for 25 minutes, or until acorn squash is fork-tender.

4. While the squash is baking, place the lentils and broth into a pot on the stove.

5. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, cooking the lentils for 20 minutes, or until soft.

6. Once cooked, drain additional broth.

7. After your lentils are finished, prepare the curry. Over medium heat, sauté the garlic in the olive oil until garlic is fragrant, about two minutes.

8. Add the coconut milk, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, and salt and pepper to the mix and bring to a boil, allowing the mixture to thicken.

9. Once thick, pour the coconut mixture into the pot with the lentils and stir to combine, then add the spinach and let cook for four more minutes, or until spinach is soft.

10. Remove from heat and season with salt, to taste.

11. Add the curry to the hollowed out acorn squash and enjoy!

Winter squash makes a great vessel. Try this recipe out the next time you have a hankering for something flavorful, filling, and cost-efficient!

What's your favorite thing to fill an acorn squash with? Comment below!

*Recipe adapted from Kara Lyndon Nutrition