Are you looking to add a touch of French-inspired elegance to your dinner table tonight? Look no further than our delightful Provencal Stuffed Squash recipe. This dish captures the essence of rustic French countryside flavors while delivering a burst of savory goodness in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply want to treat your loved ones to a cozy home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together and create a dish that will transport you to the sun-kissed fields of Provence.
**Provencal Stuffed Squash**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 medium-sized yellow squash
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the yellow squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Spoon the quinoa stuffing mixture evenly into the hollowed-out squash halves, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
5. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the stuffed squash for added richness and moisture.
6. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top of the stuffing to lightly brown.
8. Once done, remove the Provencal Stuffed Squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
9. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra crumbles of feta cheese for a beautiful presentation.
10. Serve these flavorful stuffed squash halves as a main dish or as a side alongside a green salad or crusty French bread for a complete meal.
Now, sit back and savor the delightful flavors of the French countryside with every delicious bite of this Provencal Stuffed Squash. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Provence into your home and create memorable moments around the dinner table. Bon appétit!
