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Vegetarian “Sausage” and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash

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Vegetarian

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By Mama Veggie – Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 minutes – Cooking Time: 80-90 minutes

This savory and hearty vegetarian main course can easily be made vegan by omitting the vegetarian Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese substitute (or skip altogether.) The combination of veggie sausage, meaty Portobello mushrooms, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts makes this anything but boring.

Ingredients

2 butternut squash, cut in half, seeds and pulp removed

2 T. olive oil

1 package Beyond Sausage vegetarian sausage, Italian flavor

3-4 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and finely minced

½ red onion, chopped

1 ½ cup baby Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

2 T. fresh sage leaves, julienned

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks

2 t. ground cinnamon

4 oz. chopped walnuts

3 T. cold butter, cut into small chunks

2 T. brown sugar (optional)

Vegetarian Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (no animal rennet)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2

Spray two 13 x 9” glass baking dishes with non-stick cooking spray. Place butternut squash halves in glass dishes, cut side up. Brush exposed edges lightly with olive oil.

3

Place both dishes in oven on middle rack at 375 degrees. Bake until soft enough to scoop out interior with a spoon, approximately 45 – 50 minutes. (Actual baking time will vary depending on individual oven temperature, size of squash and how ripe it is).

4

While the squash are baking, add vegetarian sausage to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat. While the vegetarian sausage is cooking, break it into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon.

5

After vegetarian sausage is mostly browned, add garlic, red onion and chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook over medium heat for several minutes until the mushrooms are soft, stirring occasionally.

6

Add fresh sage, chopped apples, and cinnamon to pan. Continue cooking over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until apples become soft, stirring occasionally.

7

Remove from heat and if necessary, drain excess liquid from skillet. Stir in chopped walnuts and season mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

8

When ready, remove squash from oven and allow to cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

9

Remove squash one at a time from hot glass baking dish and place on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, trace a ½” inch border around the perimeter of each squash. Scoop out all of the squash inside the border and reserve the cooked flesh in a large bowl. Be careful not to puncture the exterior of the squash skin during this process.

10

When finished, return each empty squash shell to the baking dish.

11

Cut the cooked squash into bite-sized chunks and add to vegetarian sausage mixture. Gently fold mixture together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

12

Spoon vegetarian sausage mixture into empty squash cavities and top each with chunks of butter, brown sugar (if desired) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

13

Place in 350-degree oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until filling is nicely browned. Remove from oven and top with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.