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There are several vegetables and legumes that get the shaft, and who’s to say why. We all have our preferences of course, and that’s allowed. Usually it stems from a childhood aversion to whatever your mom may have made that you slid under the table to the dog. Or perhaps you had a really bad experience after eating something different at a friend’s house, and you vowed never again to let it touch your lips. Brussels sprouts seem to be the biggest culprit. Either you love them or hate them–there’s no in between. There are other veggies that fall on either side of the love-hate spectrum. If you happen to dislike spinach, black eyed peas or squash, this dish may not be for you. If you love one or all of those ingredients, this boatful of vegetable goodness will rock your world.
In an effort to sprinkle a few more healthy meals into the cooking repertoire, here’s a side dish that is as satisfying as it is colorful. For anyone who may have said ‘Blech’ in response to the mention of spinach, black eyed peas and squash, keep an open mind. A particular combination of ingredients in a dish can totally shift how something tastes. The spinach and squash are not soggy (a total no-no!), and the peas have been transformed into a ‘spread’ if you will that melts into each bite. It makes eating your vegetables way too easy. Don’t be hesitant! Just take a bite.
Spinach and Black Eyed Pea Stuffed Squash – Serves 4
2 large yellow squash, halved and pulp removed
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 roma tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
3 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 cup panko crumbs
1 cup black eyed peas, cooked with juice
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a medium sauté pan. Once hot, add the garlic and onions and cook until onions just begin to turn translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes and spinach leaves. Once spinach has wilted, remove from heat. Stir in salt and sriracha. Set aside.
3. Using a food processor, blend black eyed peas until smooth. Spread evenly over the bottom of the four squash halves.
4. Top each squash half with some of the spinach mixture, followed by a sprinkling of cheese and panko crumbs.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cheese and panko brown and squash feels soft once pricked with a fork.
Click HERE for the printable recipe.
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MMMMMM,..what a lovely & tasty meal this is!!
I love vegetables stuffed with pure & lovely flavours!
OOoh yes!
MMMMMM,..what a lovely & tasty meal this is!!
I love vegetables stuffed with pure & lovely flavours!
OOoh yes!
Personally, I love squash. Especially when it’s stuffed with so many delicious ingredients and flavors!
The only veggie I truly have an aversion to is celery. And beets. But I’m working on the beets.
Personally, I love squash. Especially when it’s stuffed with so many delicious ingredients and flavors!
The only veggie I truly have an aversion to is celery. And beets. But I’m working on the beets.
This looks yummy, simple and fresh!
This looks yummy, simple and fresh!
It looks delicious. I love squash!
It looks delicious. I love squash!
will you marry me?
as long as you add cheese on top, i’m sure anyone would eat that! but i’m a veggie lover, so i’d eat that with or without cheese!
Well, I love spinach. I’ll have to try this out! I actually don’t have a lot of experience with squash.
As you said I need to give it a try to this stuffed squash, sounds very appetizingly yum!
Cheers,
Gera
All I am sayin’ is…can Michael and I get invited over for a spoon full of something?!? I am going to try this, I am always trying to find new ways to get the kids to eat more veggies.
Sounds like an excellent combination, especially with the cheese on top, yum!
Yummy stuffed squash!!! I’m definitely trying this one.
Great filling for a squash! I have thus far in my semi-lengthy stay on this planet managed to never eat black-eyed peas. It used to be you couldn’t get them in the North so I had an excuse. That’s not true anymore so now I officially have NO excuse what so ever.
Oooh I am a big fan of stuffed veggies and I love the flavours in this. Nice one!
veggies kicked up a few notches!!
Sounds delicious and just about perfect. Love veggies so no struggle here, but I’m always on the look out for a great recipe.
Now THAT is how you make veggies look sexy!
I’m ready for a giant bite! I love stuffed squash! Great filling.
This sounds interesting. I just might have to try this soon.
I saw that sriracha thrown in which means I would love this dish. Healthy, pretty, zesty,all in one.
I’ll definitely try this one!
OH YUM! this looks fantastic….
[...] like to stuff and layer things. Whether it’s cookies or mushrooms or squash, we love to come up with fillings to put inside something else. It’s just fun to do! Stuffed [...]