Ingredients (quantities listed are for 6-8 small-medium assorted squashes. You can increase or decrease the quantities depending on how many squashes you will be stuffing):
- 6-8 assorted squash, cut in half and seeds scooped out (or for patty pan squash, remove a slice off the top and scoop out the seeds)
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage (bulk, or with casings removed)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or other grain of choice)
- 1 bunch parsley (basil would also work here, as would smaller quantities of oregano or sage)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 2 small bulbs fennel, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded pecorino cheese, optional but strongly suggested!
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large skillet, saute onions and fennel in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. In a separate skillet, cook the Italian sausage until done. Drain the excess fat and discard.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sausage, sauteed vegetables, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff the squash with the filling, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover if desired (this will yield a moister result). Bake until the squash is tender.
6. Serve with shredded pecorino cheese on top if desired.