Ingredients:

  • 2 medium acorn squash (approx 1.5 lbs / 680g), halved and seeds removed
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • 8 oz (225g) ground Italian sausage
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple (150g), finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cooked wild rice
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried sage
  • 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Place squash halves face-down in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water in the bottom to create steam.
  2. Cover the dish loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap and cook on high for 7 to 10 minutes until a knife slides into the flesh with minimal resistance. Let cool for 2 minutes before flipping.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until no longer pink.
  4. Add the diced onion and apple to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until apples are translucent and onions are soft.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, and cooked wild rice. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Fold in the fresh parsley and remove from heat.
  7. Brush the inside of the steamed squash with melted butter and salt, fill with the sausage and apple mixture, and serve.