Acorn squash, with its vibrant, autumnal hue, is not just an eye-catching addition to your dinner plate; it's also incredibly versatile and loaded with nutrients. As the weather turns cooler, this winter squash variety offers a delightful way to warm up your meals and expand your culinary creativity. Here are 7 delicious acorn squash recipes from Blue Apron that will make you fall in love with this vegetable anew.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Butter and Sage
Start with simplicity at its finest. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of acorn squash:
- Prepare the Squash: Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and slice into wedges.
- Roast: Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
- Brown Butter: Melt butter in a skillet until it browns. Add fresh sage leaves for aromatic enhancement.
- Serve: Drizzle the brown butter over the roasted squash, garnishing with crispy sage.
🌟 Note: For a vegan twist, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa and Spinach
Turn your acorn squash into the perfect vessel for a nutritious, satisfying filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | 1 large or 2 small |
| Quinoa | 1 cup |
| Spinach | 2 cups |
| Feta Cheese | 1/2 cup |
- Stuff: After roasting the squash, fill with cooked quinoa, wilted spinach, and crumbled feta.
- Bake: Bake until the filling is heated through.
- Finish: Sprinkle with more feta and a dash of black pepper before serving.
🌱 Note: Enhance the dish with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
Acorn Squash and Arugula Salad
Marry the sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the peppery zest of arugula:
- Roast: Dice the squash and roast until caramelized.
- Dress: Toss arugula with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Assemble: Add the roasted squash to the arugula, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan.
🥗 Note: For added texture, include some dried cranberries.
Acorn Squash Soup with Curry and Coconut Milk
Embark on a warming journey with this rich, flavorful soup:
- Prep: Roast the acorn squash halves with the skin on for easier scooping.
- Blend: Scoop out the flesh and blend with curry paste, coconut milk, and broth.
- Cook: Simmer the mixture to meld flavors, then season to taste.
Serve with a drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
🥥 Note: Adjust the spice level to suit your palate by varying the amount of curry paste.
Acorn Squash Risotto
Infuse the creamy risotto with the subtle flavor of acorn squash:
- Roast: Cube the squash, roast, and puree half to add to the risotto.
- Stir: Slowly add stock, stirring, until the rice is tender.
- Incorporate: Mix in the pureed squash, then fold in the remaining roasted chunks.
- Finish: Top with grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper.
Spicy Acorn Squash Tacos
Get adventurous with these zesty tacos:
- Roast: Coat the squash with a spice rub and roast until tender.
- Assemble: Serve with corn tortillas, your choice of toppings, and a lime-cilantro cream.
🌮 Note: This taco filling is versatile; consider using it for burritos or as a topping for nachos.
Acorn Squash Gratin
End on a rich note with this indulgent gratin:
- Layer: Arrange roasted squash slices in a baking dish.
- Cover: With a creamy cheese sauce, then top with breadcrumbs and more cheese.
- Bake: Until bubbly and golden brown.
As we wrap up our culinary journey with acorn squash, it’s clear this versatile vegetable can be the star of various dishes, from comforting soups to hearty entrees. Each recipe highlights its natural sweetness and pairs it with bold flavors to create memorable meals. Whether you’re roasting, stuffing, or blending, acorn squash adds a unique touch to any dish. These recipes are not just a testament to its flavor versatility but also to how it can be adapted to different cooking styles and dietary needs, making it a must-have in your seasonal kitchen repertoire.
Can I use other types of squash for these recipes?
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Absolutely! While acorn squash offers a distinctive flavor, butternut or delicata squash can be used as substitutes in most of these recipes with minor adjustments to cooking times due to varying textures and sizes.
How do I store acorn squash?
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Store whole acorn squash in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for up to two months. Once cut, wrap it in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for about 3-5 days.
Is acorn squash nutritious?
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Yes, acorn squash is packed with nutrients! It’s a great source of vitamins A, C, B6, and fiber. It also contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, and manganese, making it a healthy choice for your diet.
