Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash

Name: Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 stuffed halves
Ingredients: ½ cup uncooked wild rice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 small acorn squashes; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium shallot; 3 large cloves garlic; 8 ounces baby bella; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 can reduced-sodium chickpeas; ⅓ cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries; ¼ cup toasted pepitas; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings
6 stuffed halves
Calories
256 kcal
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine
American

Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash

Iris Warren

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Instant pot stuffed acorn squash with wild rice, cranberries, and chickpeas is a healthy and filling vegan recipe for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Servings

½ cup uncooked wild rice you can also use a brown and wild rice blend like this one
1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
3 small acorn squashes 1 pound each, halved lengthwise, stems trimmed, and seeded
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot finely chopped, or 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 large cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
8 ounces baby bella cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can reduced-sodium chickpeas (15 ounces) rinsed and drained
⅓ cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries
¼ cup toasted pepitas or chopped pecans
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves chopped

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Instructions

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the rice and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until the rice is tender, about 55 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid. Set aside.
Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Place the steamer basket in the pot, then add the squash, cut sides up (they will overlap). Be sure not to exceed the max fill line. If your squash are larger and you exceed the line, cook the squash in two batches. Seal the lid, set pressure valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH (manual) for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then immediately vent to release any remaining pressure. Drain and arrange on a large serving plate or baking sheet.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium low. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the mushrooms, black pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Increase heat to medium and cook until the mushrooms are softened and browned, about 5 to 7 additional minutes. Add the chickpeas, cranberries, pepitas, thyme, and cooked rice and stir to heat through, about 2 additional minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Spoon the hot filling into the squash halves. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 350 degree F oven.

Notes

To cook the squash in the oven instead of the Instant Pot: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with extra-virgin olive oil. Slice a small piece off the bottom of each squash half so level it will sit level. Set the squash on the baking sheet, scooped sides down, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully turn the squash halves over. Lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Return to the oven and continue baking until tender, 20 to 25 additional minutes. Stuff with wild rice–chickpea filling and enjoy.
To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Reheat. Reheat gently in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven.