When I first tried making Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash, I was a little nervous about delighting my family with something new but nourishing. I remember the specific Rosh Hashanah when I wanted to bring a symbolic holiday food to the table that would also support our family’s nutrition goals. The idea of Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash clicked for me because it combined tradition with wholesome ingredients—exactly what busy moms like us look for in a meal.
At first, I wasn’t sure if my kids and husband would love it, but the vibrant colors and natural sweetness of the butternut squash impressed everyone. They noticed the rich textures and flavors without me needing to sneak in unhealthy ingredients. This Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash turned out to be a big win for both our taste buds and wellness journey.
What surprised me most was how this simple dish supports our family’s energy during hectic weeks while bringing the meaningful symbolism of Rosh Hashanah to life. It’s a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients layered thoughtfully, making it easier to keep our mealtime both nourishing and stress-free.
If you’re a fellow nutrition-seeking mom looking for a Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe that honors tradition but respects your time and sanity, stick around. I’ll share everything I’ve learned about making this dish approachable and kid-friendly.
Speaking of nourishing options, if your family likes this recipe, they’ll probably love the butternut squash lasagna I shared recently—another comforting dish with wholesome ingredients. It’s a favorite for busy nights and brings a little extra vegetable love to our table!
Let’s dive into the simple ingredients list next and I’ll show you how straightforward this nutritious Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash really is.
Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s the simple and nutritious ingredient list for your Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash. Trust me, it’s designed with busy moms in mind—no complicated or hard-to-find items here!
- 2 medium butternut squashes, halved and seeded (great source of vitamins A and C)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (plant-powered protein and fiber)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils (fiber boost and iron)
- 1 medium apple, diced (adds sweetness and vitamin C)
- 1/2 cup dried pomegranate seeds (antioxidants and a nod to symbolic holiday foods)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (healthy fats for brain health)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (warming spice that supports digestion)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (adds depth without heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (healthy fats and cooking essential)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
No worries if you don’t have lentils—use chopped mushrooms or black beans instead to add protein richness to your Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash. Both options are wallet-friendly and easy to find at your regular grocery store.
For extra nutrition and flavor, sometimes I toss in shredded carrots or chopped kale when prepping the stuffing. It’s a simple way to sneak in greens without stress.
Pro tip: To save time, I usually buy pre-cooked lentils or canned beans, rinse well, and toss in. This Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash proves nutritious dinners can stay budget-friendly and quick—perfect for busy weeknights!
The beauty here is balancing traditional ingredients with practical swaps that suit your family’s tastes and pantry.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s the step-by-step on making your Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash a nourishing family favorite.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature roasts the squash perfectly without drying it out.
- Prepare the squash: Place the halved butternut squash face down on a lined baking sheet. Roast for about 35-40 minutes or until the flesh is soft when poked with a fork. Perfect time for you to prep tomorrow’s school lunch or set the table for dinner!
- While squash roasts, make the stuffing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling like wholesome traditions.
- Add in diced apple, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring for 2-3 minutes. This mix adds that cozy, sweet-spiced Simanim flavor we associate with Rosh Hashanah stuffed squash.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, lentils (or your chosen protein swap), dried pomegranate seeds, and walnuts. Mix well and taste-test seasoning. Adjust salt or spices as you like.
- Once the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out the soft flesh, leaving a thin shell for stuffing. Mash the scooped squash with the filling mixture to combine flavors fully.
- Spoon the hearty mixture back into the squash shells, pressing lightly to fill them well.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Don’t worry if your Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash looks rustic—that homemade, hearty look is part of its charm and proof it’s packed with goodness. That golden-baked top is a family favorite!
This cooking process usually takes about an hour, but much of that time is hands-off while the oven works its magic. That’s my favorite kind of kitchen teamwork during busy family days.
While the squash continues baking, I sometimes start cleaning up or chopping fresh herbs for the final garnishing touch. It keeps the kitchen flow moving smoothly.
Feeding my family with this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash taught me that simple, symbolic holiday foods can become regular nutrition wins without stress.
By the way, if you want to try a tasty vegetarian twist, check out a fun Rosh Hashana butternut squash carpaccio recipe shared in this Facebook group post for inspiration. It brings an elegant but healthy touch to the holiday table!
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family goes crazy for Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash! It’s one of those dishes the kids happily finish, even the picky ones.
We usually serve it alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh contrast and extra vitamin C. The crispness balances the warm, hearty squash beautifully.
Sometimes I add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a beet salad—both nutrient-dense and popular with the kids when paired with this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash. These veggie sides bring needed fiber and minerals for growing bodies.
This recipe shines during Rosh Hashanah, but we also turn to it as a comforting option for weeknight dinners when we want nutrition without fuss.
For presentation, I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. The pop of green makes the colorful pomegranate seeds pop visually, and it invites everyone to dig in.
Leftovers? Totally a winner! The family loves it reheated the next day or served cold in grain bowls with extra greens and a drizzle of tahini. This makes it perfect for meal prep and saves time on busy days.
If you’re looking for more nutrition-packed squash ideas, check out my butternut squash and turkey chili recipe that adds protein and cozy flavor to colder nights. It’s another family-friendly hit!
Even guests who don’t usually lean into traditional symbolic holiday foods have given this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash rave reviews. It’s proof that simple, nourishing recipes win hearts and bellies alike.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! This dish balances fiber, protein, and healthy fats from lentils and walnuts, with vitamins A & C from squash and apples. My kids have steady energy after meals like this.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash?
A: Try involving them in the cooking process. My kids loved scooping the filling back into the squash—it made them proud to eat what they helped create! Also, chopping the ingredients smaller helped ease them in.
Q: Can I meal prep this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! Prepare it fully, then store in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. Perfect for those days when you want a no-fuss meal that feels special.
Q: Can I customize the stuffing to be vegetarian or vegan?
A: Definitely. Use vegetable broth if you add any liquids, and replace lentils with mushrooms or beans. The dried pomegranate seeds keep the symbolic holiday feel intact without animal products.
Q: Are there gluten-free options for this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash?
A: Totally gluten-free as is! Just double-check your broth or any pre-made ingredients to avoid hidden gluten. Quinoa is a great gluten-free grain here.
Q: How does this recipe relate to other symbolic holiday foods?
A: The dried pomegranate and apple nod to traditional Simanim recipes, which represent wishes for a sweet and fruitful year. It’s a nourishing way to respect the holiday meaning. For more background, you can visit this guide to the Simanim symbolic foods for Rosh Hashanah.
Q: Could I use this stuffing in other vegetables?
A: Yes! Stuffed sweet potatoes or acorn squash also work beautifully. For a different take, try mushroom stuffed potato cakes inspired by another family-favorite recipe.
This Q&A is just the start. Feel free to ask any nutrition or prep questions—keeping Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash simple and family-friendly is my goal too!
Final Thoughts:

Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash has become a cornerstone of my family’s nutrition journey during symbolic holidays and beyond. It blends tradition and wholesome eating without overwhelming the busiest of kitchens.
My Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash Nutrition Hacks:
- Adding extra greens like kale or spinach to the stuffing sneaks in vitamins without extra dishes.
- Using pre-cooked grains and beans saves time and keeps nutrition intact.
- Swapping nuts for seeds when allergies strike keeps everyone included and still nourished.
We’ve personalized this recipe in a few ways: my husband likes it spiced up with a little chili powder, while my kids prefer it sweet without the cumin. Cousins who love vegetarian meals get theirs loaded with mushrooms and pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor.
I invite you to make this dish your own nourishing tradition. It’s flexible, festive, and meets real family nutrition needs without adding stress.
If you’re ready for more nourishing squash ideas, you’ll find some great inspiration here with my butternut squash lasagna and hearty butternut squash and turkey chili.
Here’s to more simple, nourishing wins in your kitchen with Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash!
For those celebrating this season and wanting to try a vegetarian twist, there are wonderful ideas shared in this Facebook post for those dinners with guests who prefer veggie-focused meals.
Remember, keeping nutrition simple and delicious is possible even in the busiest kitchens—let’s keep sharing these wins together!
Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash
Celebrate tradition with Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash, a flavorful and wholesome dish combining tender roasted squash with symbolic stuffed fillings that bring both texture and meaning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the butternut squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes until tender.
- While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add cooked rice, lentils, figs, raisins, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove squash from oven and let cool slightly. Scoop out some flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch border, and mix it into the filling mixture.
- Stuff the squash halves evenly with the prepared filling.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and pomegranate seeds on top.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle with honey or pomegranate molasses just before serving to enhance the sweet and savory balance.

