The smoky, citrusy undertones of cumin lend a nice warmth without being overwhelming.

Buy squash that does not sound hollow.

Can You Make Stuffed Butternut Squash In Advance?

stuffed butternut squash

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Keep the rice in an airtight container.

Proceed with rest of the recipe as written.

Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator and reheated in oven or microwave.

ingredients for roasted butternut squash

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Arrange squash cut sides down on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Bake until tender, 40 to 45 minutes, rotating pan from front to back halfway through.

Scoop out squash:

Remove from oven.

roasted butternut squash halves face up

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Carefully turn squash over, and let stand 15 minutes.

Keeping squash halves on baking sheet, scoop out and discard seeds with a spoon.

Leaving a 1/2-inch border, scoop flesh from neck portion of each squash; cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

baked butternut squash halves

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Transfer to a medium bowl.

Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is cooked through, about 45 minutes.

Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 10 minutes.

roasted Butternut squash with centers scooped

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Fluff rice with a fork.

Cover and set aside.

Cook vegetables:

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium.

butternut squash with scooped out center

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Stir in garlic, cumin, black pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.

Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in cooked rice and roasted squash cubes.

rice cooked and fluffing with fork

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Remove from heat; stir in cranberries and pumpkin seeds.

Transfer to a platter, and garnish with cilantro.

sautéed onion, pepper, and mushrooms

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rice filling for stuffed butternut squash

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roasted butternut squash halves

Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Julian Knox