Stuffed Delicata Squash for Two

In this Tex-Mex-seasoned stuffed delicata squash recipe, half of the ground beef is swapped out for bulgur to reduce saturated fat without cutting back on the amount of stuffing.

Makes: 2 servings, 1/2 stuffed squash each
Serving Size: 1/2 stuffed squash
Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 small delicata squash (about 12 ounces), halved and seeded
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 cup bulgur
1/2 cup water
1/2 small onion, chopped
4 ounces lean ground beef (90% or leaner)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons toasted pepitas (see Tip)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 teaspoon oil and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place facedown in a small baking pan. Bake until tender and browned on the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, bring bulgur and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well.

4. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add beef, chili powder and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring and breaking up chunks with a spoon, until the meat is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the bulgur and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in yogurt.

5. Spoon about 3/4 cup filling into each squash half. Serve sprinkled with pepitas.

TIPS & NOTES

Tip: To toast small seeds: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add seeds and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 344 calories; 15 g fat (3 g sat, 8 g mono); 44 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 6 g total sugars; 22 g protein; 10 g fiber; 445 mg sodium; 874 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (347% daily value), Vitamin C (39% dv), Zinc (30% dv), Magnesium (28% dv), Potassium (25% dv), Iron (21% dv), Calcium (15% dv)
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 2 fat

Source: healthdigezt.com