Sheet Pan

Roasted Delicata Squash Stuffed with Autumn Farro

by:
November 12, 2015
4.4
7 Ratings
Roasted Delicata Squash Stuffed with Autumn Farro
Photo by Jame Ransom
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Thanksgiving is such a rich holiday, evoking dreamy spreads and deep traditions. Although the feast may vary, community, family, and gratitude remain rooted in the heart. Stuffed squash is a perfect main vegetarian course. Delicata is sweet and timeless—it lends itself well as a cornucopia to hearty and nutty farro, winter greens, pistachio, scallions, and pomegranate. The feast; it gathers. —danielle majeika | the perpetual season

Test Kitchen Notes

This was really tasty. I particularly loved the salad and the dressing—but it wasn't enough food for it to be a main dish for me. There was only one delicata squash at the market (and I was testing two recipes which used delicata), so I decided to also get a butternut squash to see if it tasted better/worse/similar. The delicata was, by far, the better choice. The flavors worked really well together, and the recipe was also surprisingly quick to make. By the time the squash was finished roasting and the farro cooked, the rest of the ingredients were chopped up and ready to be tossed! —Victoria Ross

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 large delicata squash, halved
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 sprigs rosemary, cut into four halves
  • 1 cup farro
  • 3 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 bulb fennel, shaved and chopped
  • 1 bunch small scallions, white and green parts chopped
  • 4 ounces winter greens or arugula
  • 1/2 cup pistachio, crushed
  • Seeds of 1 pomegranate
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • Juice of 1 medium orange
  • Zest of 1/2 orange
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Remove the inner pulp and seeds from the squash (reserve for roasting if desired), drizzle and rub it in oil, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. If using Hungarian hot paprika, mix it with the cumin; otherwise, sprinkle cumin over squash. Place squash on a large sheet pan, cut side down, and place one rosemary half beneath each squash (rosemary may either be discarded at the end or added to the farro salad). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a fork can be inserted into skin tenderly. Allow to cool slightly upon removal from oven.
  2. Assemble the farro salad: In a small saucepan, toast the farro over medium-high heat until fragrant and nutty. Add the water or vegetable broth and bring to a light boil. Cover and boil 15 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and grain is cooked. If needed, drain any excess liquid.
  3. In a large bowl combine farro, fennel, scallions, winter greens or arugula, pistachio, and pomegranate.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, orange juice, orange zest, mustard, and thyme.
  5. Serve squash halves filled with farro salad and topped with tahini dressing.
Tags:
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Amy Schleider
    Amy Schleider
  • Jen Hayes
    Jen Hayes
  • LibWP
    LibWP
  • Adrienne
    Adrienne

Popular on Food52

6 Reviews

Amy S.
Amy S. November 7, 2023
My first time preparing Delicata Squash, which I was delighted to discover. Delighted to the degree that I will make this in fall rotation. Just this morning, I used some remaining farro mixture with my morning eggs. Wow, just cinched the deal. Come to me little Delicata, I love this recipe. btw I substituted dates for the pomegranates.
 
Jen H.
Jen H. March 16, 2020
This recipe was the first time I'd ever cooked delicata squash, and WOW was I overwhelmed and delighted by how delicious this dish was (and now I have 24 years worth of delicata-squash eating to make up for). I made this recipe at least four times this fall and, provided you get a flavorful squash, it's perfect every time. This one is getting saved in my personal book of favorite recipes.
 
Adrienne
Adrienne November 22, 2019
Just made this tonight for dinner and it was fabulous!! LOVED it!
I used wheat berries instead because I didn't have farro in the pantry, and acorn squash. Farro would have made a much quicker dinner, no question, but the meal was excellent. I'll definitely make this again.
 
Pam W.
Pam W. November 17, 2019
Made as per recipe, including pimenton. Delicious. Next time try omitting greens (arugula), mix dressing with farro, fennel etc and serve squash halves on a bed of greens.
 
LibWP
LibWP October 7, 2017
I thought it was just ok. It looked pretty, but didn't care for the tahini dressing. Might try again with a different dressing.
 
Cindy A.
Cindy A. January 3, 2017
This is a delicious recipe. I was a little worried that it would be "too" interesting, with the variety of ingredients, but they work together beautifully. The portions are ample, and it works just as well reheated the next day.