Irresistibly Easy and Healthy Spiced Roasted Acorn Squash Appetizer

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ACORN SQUASH: THE UNDERRATED AUTUMN GEM

Gone are the days of the pumpkin. Acorn squash is a versatile and underrated fall vegetable that deserves more attention. With its distinctive shape, rich, earthy flavor, and creamy texture, this humble gourd offers a lot to love.

What makes Acorn Squash so special?

  • Versatility: Acorn squash can be steamed, roasted, stuffed, or pureed, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
  • Nutrition: It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
  • Flavour: The flesh has a nutty flavour and creamy texture, while the skin adds a nice crunch.

You can eat the skin of the squash, which has a great taste nutty flavour with a creamy texture inside. You can steam, roast, stuff, or puree this vegetable.

My favourite way to prepare acorn squash is to roast it. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and allows the flavours to develop. Here’s a simple recipe you’ll love:

  1. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
  2. Roast the squash with the skin on in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices

Benefits of Acorn Squash: Is rich in nutrients, high in antioxidants, supports gut health and low in calories.

ACORN SQUASH IN THE KITCHEN: CULINARY EXPLORATION

This dish makes a delicious appetizer and is very easy to make. It will impress your guests.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

85 minutes ( 1 hr 25 mins)

Serves

6

Ingredients

  • One acorn ( depending on size of party)
  • 3 tbsp pine nuts
  • 1 small can chickpeas
  • 1/2 a cup tahini
  • 2 tsp spoons garlic paste
  • 1 lemon
  • Spiced mix: ( to taste a pinch of each can add more to liking)
  • tsp dried parsley
  • Garlic powder
  • paprika
  • zaatar
  • cinnamon
  • chilli flakes

Steps

1

Slice the acorn in half, scoop out the inside and seeds. Cute acorn into thick slices.

2

Place all the slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with the spice mix of garlic powder, paprika, zaatar, cinnamon, and chilli flakes. Mix in the garlic paste and coat all the slices. Add salt and pepper.

3

Separately, in a bowl, some hot water, 1/2 cup of tahini, garlic paste and lemon. In a hand mixer, add the ingredients and blend. You want the consistency of a thicker dressing. If dressing is too thick add some more hot water to thin it out.

4

Take some pine nuts and roast them in a pan, till they are light brown. In the air fryer or oven, roast chickpeas until crispy and crunchy ( sprinkle with chilli and garlic powder). Chickpeas need to be dry before adding spices. Heat oven at 350 F and roast for 45 mins.

5

Place the acorn on a sheet pan, spread it out, and roast the squash with the skin on in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until tender

Plating:

Place the acorn squash on the plate and drizzle on the tahini. Then top with pine nuts and chickpeas.

Ready to bring a little warmth and spice to your table? This roasted acorn squash appetizer is proof that healthy can still be crave-worthy. This is an easy and affordable recipe that will wow your guests. It elevates a simple acorn to a delish and flavourful dish. This is a great dish for when you are hosting parties as it can serve many people and is easily prepped.

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