Mutton Ancient Grain Stuffed Winter Squash Food

SAVORY GRAIN-STUFFED SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut the bottom off each squash so that it will sit straight. Slice off the top, clean the seeds from the squash and prick the inside evenly with a fork. Place the squash in a shallow baking dish and add water to come halfway up the sides of the squash.
• Place the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and warm. Add the bulgur wheat and cook, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 4 minutes. Add 1 cup of the water and stir. Add the ginger, cinnamon, pepper and salt and stir. Reduce heat and add remaining water by the quarter cup until the grain is soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the raisins and pine nuts.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Divide the grain mixture evenly among the squashes and cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake one hour, until the squashes are soft.

ACORN SQUASH WITH MIXED-GRAIN STUFFING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil. Mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cumin, and coriander; sprinkle inside of squashes with spice mixture. Place squashes on sheet, cut-sides down, and roast until just tender, about 20 minutes.
• Turn cut-sides up and fill with stuffing, mounding slightly (you should use about 3/4 cup in each squash half). These can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before baking. Bake, covered with parchment-lined foil, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Serve, with relish and sprinkled with toasted almonds and parsley.