Healthy Comfort Food for the Holidays: Bison-Stuffed Winter Squash & More

 

Dear friends,

Many of us look to food for comfort (I sure do!).

There’s always a way we can re-create our favorite comfort food recipes in a healthier way.

Comfort food can be grounding, and nourish us on all levels.

I'm going to share some of my favorite nutrient-dense comfort food recipes to enjoy through the winter months.

They're also perfect to bring to family gatherings or holiday parties.

Let me know which ones you try, and which one is your favorite!

And let's begin with no other than... my Bison-Stuffed Winter Squash with Moroccan Spices.

 

Bison-Stuffed Winter Squash with Moroccan Spices.

This is a hearty main dish that can be made in advance. It is stunning on a platter with Pepita Parsley Pesto (p. 54 in Heartful Kitchen) and can easily be made vegan by removing the bison! Serve with a salad or soup for a simple dinner on a cool evening.

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield: 8 pieces

Ingredients:

  • 2 (2 pound) kabocha squashes, cut in half with seeds removed

  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • ½ pound ground bison

  • 3 teaspoons ghee or extra-virgin coconut oil

  • ¼ head cauliflower, chopped into ¼-inch pieces

  • 2 cups chopped baby spinach

  • ¼ cup sliced toasted almonds

  • Tahini Sauce (see below) and/or Pepita Parsley Pesto (p. 54 in Heartful Kitchen)

Directions:

Roast the squash.

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out seeds and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Rub the flesh of the squash with liquid cooking oil and season with salt.

  3. Place squash on baking sheet flesh side down and bake 30 to 40 minutes, until a fork easily pierces through all parts of the squash. Remove from oven and let rest flesh-side up until cool enough to handle, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Prepare the stuffing.

  1. Combine turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and salt and toss this mixture with the ground bison, combining well with fingers.

  2. Heat 2 teaspoons ghee or coconut oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet and brown the bison, about 5 minutes. It will cook more later. Remove bison to a bowl.

  3. Add remaining teaspoon of ghee or coconut oil to the pan and cook the cauliflower until browned, about 10 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water and cover to steam for the last few minutes of cooking.

  4. Add the spinach to the cauliflower to wilt, and toss the vegetable mixture with the bison. Add the lemon juice and mix to combine.

Assemble and warm through:

  1. Stuff each squash wedge with the meat and vegetable mixture and top with the nuts. Bake until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

  2. Serve with tahini and/or pepita parsley pesto.

Note: If your squash is hard to cut through, pop the whole squash in a 350° oven for 20 minutes, remove, let cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and then cut through with ease.

 
 
 

Tahini Dipping Sauce

My grandmother loved serving her Lamb Kibbeh, which is similar to Lamb Kofta (pg. 222 in Heartful Kitchen) with this sauce. This sauce makes a savory dip for raw or roasted vegetables, and is perfect for drizzling on fish, chicken or lamb.

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Equipment Needed: food processor

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tahini (raw or roasted)

  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled

  • 1¼ teaspoons high-mineral sea salt

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients except water in a food processor, and with motor running, slowly add water and blend well.

  2. Allow the sauce to cool in the refrigerator without covering. Once completely cool, cover.

  3. Store in the refrigerator up to three days.

More Healthy Comfort Food & Holiday Recipes

Looking for more delicious and nourishing comfort food this holiday season?

I'd love to give you some comforting food ideas where the comfort is long-lasting and not just in the moment!

Your taste buds will be thrilled, and your bellies will be harmonized and satiated.

Nourishment Coaching

Inspired to transform your health through food?

If you long for a balanced, healthy lifestyle that supports your daily vitality and your capacity to live a life you love, my Nourishment and Empowerment Coaching Program is designed to assist you in person, over-the-phone, or online.

• Locally, I enjoy coming to your home and cooking with you, helping you to stock your fridges and freezers with nutrient-dense foods to help your bodies thrive.

• Long-distance clients meet with me online on a regular basis to outline food plans, ingredient sourcing, and cooking strategies that are practical for each individual's health needs and lifestyles.

Tips & Tricks, Paleo Lifestyle, RecipesMaria Cooper