Cran-Orange Acorn Squash: A Vibrant Pressure Cooker Side Dish

For a colorful and flavorful side dish that’s ready in under 15 minutes, this Cran-Orange Acorn Squash Express Pressure Cooker Recipe is a perfect choice. Combining tender acorn squash with a fragrant, citrusy rice filling studded with dried cranberries, this dish brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Prepared effortlessly in a pressure cooker, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any meal needing a wholesome vegetable side. Let’s dive into this quick and delicious recipe!

Cran-Orange Acorn Squash: A Vibrant Pressure Cooker Side Dish

Recipe by Lindsey Keo

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

160

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup water

• 2 small acorn or carnival squash (12 to 15 ounces each), cut in half, seeds and strings removed

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ⅓ cup minced onion

• ⅓ cup diced celery

• 1 cup instant brown rice

• 1 cup orange juice

• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground sage

Directions

• Pour 1 cup of water into your Crockpot Express Pressure Cooker. Place the rack in the Cooking Pot and arrange the acorn or carnival squash halves, cut sides up, on the rack. (The squash halves can be placed at angles to fit in the Cooking Pot.)
• Secure the lid on the pressure cooker. Select the MANUAL PRESSURE setting, set the temperature to HIGH, and adjust the time to 4 minutes. Ensure the Steam Release Valve is in the “Seal” (closed) position, then press START/STOP.
• Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Remove the squash to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
• Remove the rack from the Cooking Pot, drain the water, and wipe out the Cooking Pot. Set the pressure cooker to the BROWN/SAUTÉ function. Add the butter and melt on HIGH. Add the minced onion and diced celery, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes or until softened.
• Stir in the instant brown rice, orange juice, dried cranberries, salt, and ground sage. Secure the lid. Select the MANUAL PRESSURE setting, set the temperature to HIGH, and adjust the time to 6 minutes. Ensure the Steam Release Valve is in the “Seal” (closed) position, then press START/STOP.
• Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Stir the rice mixture, then divide it evenly among the squash halves.
• Serve the stuffed squash hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Cran-Orange Acorn Squash is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin for a festive, autumn-inspired meal. It also complements vegetarian entrees like a lentil loaf or stuffed mushrooms. For a complete spread, add a green salad or roasted root vegetables. The vibrant colors and flavors make this dish a stunning addition to holiday tables or everyday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cran-Orange Acorn Squash recipe is a standout for its quick preparation and delightful flavor combination. The pressure cooker makes it incredibly fast, cooking the squash and rice filling in just 10 minutes total, while preserving the tender texture of the squash and the fragrant, citrusy rice. The orange juice and dried cranberries add a sweet-tart balance, while the sage brings a subtle, earthy note. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want a wholesome, flavorful side dish without the fuss.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday menu or add a nutritious vegetable to your weeknight meals, this Cran-Orange Acorn Squash is sure to impress. Try this pressure cooker recipe for your next gathering and enjoy a vibrant, delicious dish that’s as easy as it is flavorful!