Roasted Acorn Squash
I had always wondered about how the hard-rind butternut and the soft-skin zucchini are both referred to as a squash. Only when I started digging deeper, I found out that zucchini and others of its ilk are categorized as summer squashes; this includes white zucchini, crookneck, pattypan and other varieties. Butternut, acorn, red kuri, delicata and other hard-rind kinds are grouped into winter squashes, though that’s a bit of a misnomer : they start being available in early fall. Truth be told, I prefer the winter squashes over the summer ones. They have deeper flavors and lend themselves to a wide variety of cooking techniques and recipes. They have really tough outsides but vibrant yellow, orange or red flesh that cooks easily.
By far the easiest (and the tastiest) way of cooking them is simply roasting. And an added bonus is that many of these squashes can be consumed with skin! Buying an organic acorn squash from Narci Organics is a special treat - I can enjoy the entire fruit without worries about unnecessary chemicals.
One whole large acorn squash can be stretched out as a side for two meals. Cut vertically with a large sharp knife - it takes a bit of force. Scoop out the seeds and fiber in the center.
Save half the squash for another time.
This recipe serves as a side for 3-4 persons. I used ghee to coat the acorn - the flavor was divine! I strongly recommend using ghee (easily available at Trader Joe’s).
Ingredients:
½ Acorn Squash sliced into ½ in. thick slices
2 tbsp melted butter (or ghee)
Crushed black pepper
Crushed dried herbs (like rosemary or Italian seasoning)
Salt to taste
Method:
Preheat the oven to 400 deg F. Place acorn slices in a large bowl. In a small bowl combine ghee with the remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour over acorn slices, taking care to coat both sides of each slice. Arrange in a single layer on an oven sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes till tender.
Enjoy warm, skin and all! Yum!
NOTE: The flavor possibilities are limited only by imagination : variations may include
Cumin powder + chili powder + minced garlic
‘Everything but the bagel seasoning’ !!
⅓ c. Parmesan cheese + dried herbs + garlic powder
--Vaishali