When I saw these cute little Acorn Squashes at the market, I couldn’t resist. I had no idea how to cook these and yet I bought. I have only used Pumpkin and Summer Squashes in my kitchen and that too for making savory curries. I hadn’t ventured out to the other squash varieties. Acorn Squash also known as Pepper Squash is a Winter Squash and is found abundantly during Fall and Winter. I know! I know! It’s summer but I still found these at the store.
Roasted Acorn Squash
I searched for recipes and found many for Oven Roasted Acorn Squash on Martha Stewart and plenty of other sites. I thought if it’s so popular, it shouldn’t go wrong and decided to try it. Roasted Acorn Squash is a traditional way of making these cuties. The recipe is fairly simple with few ingredients but time consuming! Yes, all easy recipes are not quick! I didn’t know what to expect from this squash but I was flattered after the first bite. Such a delicate and sweet flavor! I loved it and finished it in one sitting. Glad that I took pics before tasting the first bite.
Maple Glazed Acorn Squash
This is such a versatile recipe. You could make it savory or sweet. You can serve it as a snack or even for dessert. These look so pretty on the table! The roasted flesh can be scooped out and you could serve it with Icecream and Pralines. Yum!
Ingredients
- Acorn Squash – 1
- Salt – to taste
- Maple Syrup – 4 tbsp
- Butter (softened) – as needed for brushing
Preparation Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degree F.
- Cut the acorn squash into two halves. This is the tricky part. You need a really sharp knife to cut through the thick skin. If you see the pics, you will notice how my halves are not the same size but doesn’t matter!
- Scoop out the seeds and fibrous stuff with a spoon.
- Using your knife, stash the flesh couple of times.
- Brush the insides of the squash with butter. Sprinkle salt to taste.
- Bake it with the cut sides down for 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven. You will notice that the outer skin has softened.
- Turn and then drizzle 2 tbsp maple syrup on the insides of each half.
- Continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the top appears to be lightly brown. The maple syrup will form a nice glaze.
- Serve warm with more salt and maple syrup if needed.
Note
- When buying acorn squash look for the dark green variety which is beginning to turn orange here and there.
- You can easily scoop out the flesh of the roasted squash with a spoon.
- Try serving it with icecream and pralines or roasted nuts for the ultimate dessert.
