Introduction
Acorn squash is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that’s filled with nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamin C and fiber. Despite its delicious taste and health benefits, cooking acorn squash can be challenging for many people. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips, recipes, and spice blends to help make cooking with acorn squash a breeze!
10 Easy Steps to Perfectly Roast Acorn Squash
Roasting acorn squash is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare it. Follow these ten easy steps for perfectly roasted acorn squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the acorn squash in half from stem to end and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Brush the flesh of the squash with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices (try cinnamon, nutmeg, or dried thyme).
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Flip the squash halves over and use a sharp knife to slice each half into wedges or cubes.
- Drizzle with a little bit of maple syrup or honey if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or use as a base for any number of recipes.
5 Creative Dishes You Can Make with Acorn Squash
While roasted acorn squash is delicious on its own, there are plenty of creative dishes you can make with this versatile vegetable. Here are five of our favorite recipes:
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cut the squash in half and roast as directed above. While the squash is cooking, prepare a delicious stuffing of your choice. Try mixing together cooked quinoa, sautéed kale, and crumbled feta cheese. Once the squash is cooked, fill each half with the stuffing, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the stuffing is warm and the cheese is melted.
Acorn Squash Risotto
Cut the squash into ½ inch cubes. In a large saucepan, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the squash and Arborio rice to the saucepan and cook until the rice is toasted and the squash is slightly browned. Pour in a mixture of chicken broth and white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Finish with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Acorn Squash Puree
Cut the squash into small cubes and boil until tender. Drain and puree in a food processor or blender. Season with salt, pepper, and a little bit of cinnamon. This delightful puree can be used as a side dish, a spread on toast or crackers, or even mixed into a bowl of warm oatmeal.
Acorn Squash Gratin
Cut the squash in half and roast as directed above. While it’s cooking, mix together a creamy cheese sauce made with Gruyere cheese, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and spread the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Acorn Squash and Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Add diced acorn squash, chopped apples, and dried cranberries to the quinoa. Toss with a simple dressing of olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Healthy and Delicious: Acorn Squash Soup Recipe
Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness and creaminess of acorn squash. This recipe is easy and healthy, yet deliciously satisfying.
- 2 acorn squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cubed squash to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches.
- Return the soup to the pot and add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Warm over low heat until heated through.
The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking Acorn Squash
If you’re new to cooking with acorn squash, there are a few things you should know. Acorn squash is a winter squash that is typically harvested in late summer or early fall. It has a hard outer shell and an inner flesh that can be orange or yellow in color.
When selecting acorn squash at the store, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any that have soft spots or cracks in the skin. Acorn squash can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
To prepare acorn squash for cooking, cut off the stem and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fibers from the center using a spoon. You can also slice the squash crosswise into rounds, which is a great way to make crispy oven-baked “fries.”
When cooking acorn squash, one of the most common mistakes is overcooking it. It’s important to keep an eye on the squash and remove it from the oven or stove-top when it’s just tender enough to be pierced with a fork. This will ensure that the flesh stays moist and flavorful.
Savory Acorn Squash Recipes for Every Taste Preference
While acorn squash is often used in sweet dishes like pies, bread, and muffins, it’s also perfect for savory recipes. Here are five savory recipes to try:
Acorn Squash and Sausage Skillet
Cook diced sausage and sliced onions in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Add sliced acorn squash and sauté until tender. Add a handful of kale and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Acorn Squash and Black Bean Tacos
Combine cooked black beans and diced acorn squash in a skillet with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook until the squash is tender. Serve the mixture in taco shells with shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, salsa, and sliced avocado.
Acorn Squash and Mushroom Pasta
Cook pasta according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms and garlic until golden brown. Add cooked, cubed acorn squash and a bit of chicken broth. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Acorn Squash and Lentil Stew
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add lentils, cubed acorn squash, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils and squash are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of balsamic vinegar.
Acorn Squash and Chicken Curry
Cut the squash into cubes and roast as directed above. In a large pot, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add canned coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and curry powder to the pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the curry over the roasted squash cubes.
Unique Spice Blends to Enhance Your Acorn Squash Dish
Acorn squash has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of different spices and seasonings. Try these unique spice blends to add some extra flavor to your next acorn squash dish:
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg
- Sage and Thyme
- Curry Powder and Turmeric
- Fennel Seed and Coriander
- Dill and Lemon Zest
Conclusion
Acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that’s perfect for a wide variety of recipes. Whether you’re roasting it as a simple side dish or using it as a base for a creamy soup or savory stew, there are endless ways to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of acorn squash.