For this week’s recipe, we have a quick but delicious side of chili caramel acorn squash. I love this recipe since it requires almost no work, yet it tastes really special.
This recipe will work with almost any orange-fleshed squash or sweet potatoes. The main reason to use acorn squash is that it is not as sweet as other squash and you don’t have to peel it. As an added bonus, the peel looks really nice on the plate.
Squash is very forgiving when you roast it. It should be nice and soft when it is done; you should be able to stab it with a fork and get almost no resistance. The nice thing is the squash won’t overcook quickly, so just be careful not to burn the sugar.
This dish should serve3-4 as a side.
Ingredients:
1 acorn squash
1 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili flakes
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Cut the acorn squash into ¾ inch cubes, leaving the skin on.
3) In a bowl, mix the remainder of the ingredients.
4) Toss the acorn squash to coat evenly.
5) Place in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
6) Roast for about 30-40 minutes until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
7) Serve and enjoy!
I made these last night to bring to a group of gamers who typically don’t eat their vegetables. They went over really well, and we shared your site & recipe around the group. They were a little too spicy for me (I’m pretty sensitive), but the heat-lovers enjoyed them. When I make them at home again, I’ll reduce the chili flakes.
~Kyr
Sorry to hear it was too spicy, I am a huge spice head. I am really glad it went over well, gamers can be so picky when it comes to veggies. Thank you for sharing the recipe and site.
Yum! What a great time of year to be cooking squash! Have you ever tried butternut squash risotto? It’s my fave!
I have not tried that one yet, but it sounds delicious! I will have to give it a try as soon as I am done with my move.
I’ve been looking for something to make with acorn squash and this looks great! Is chili flakes the same thing as red pepper flakes?
The two are the same, you could also use chili powder, but it would be best to use about half as much.