Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash with Lentils

Ingredients

• 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded (1360 g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (27 g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (7 g)
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (150 g)
• 1 cup chopped cremini mushrooms (70 g)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (50 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils, drained (300 g)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (38 g)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (55 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare squash. Heat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment. Brush cut sides with 1 tablespoon oil; season with half the salt and pepper. Set halves cut-side down, leaving space between them.
2. Roast. Roast until a fork slides easily into the thickest flesh, 30 to 35 minutes. Turn halves cut-side up for the final 5 minutes; the cavities should look dry and lightly browned.
3. Cook vegetables. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and celery for about 5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until their liquid evaporates and the skillet appears mostly dry.
4. Build filling. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add lentils, pecans, maple syrup, Dijon, and remaining pepper. Fold gently until hot and evenly coated, then taste; add a pinch of salt only if needed.
5. Fill and warm. Divide filling among the roasted cavities and mound it slightly. Press with a spoon so it settles securely, then return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, until the filling is piping hot.
6. Serve. Serve immediately with cranberry sauce, green beans, or a tart salad. For buffet portions, cut each stuffed half into two wedges after warming, using a sharp knife and steady board.

Notes

• Acorn squash varies in size. Begin checking at 30 minutes; continue roasting until a fork enters the thickest flesh easily, because large squash may require several extra minutes.
• For canned lentils, rinse and drain thoroughly, then leave them in a sieve while chopping vegetables. Removing excess liquid keeps the filling substantial rather than loose.