Roasted Delicata Squash

This Roasted Delicata Squash recipe is so flavorful! Made with shallots, toasted cumin seeds, and a maple apple cider glaze, topped with toasted hazelnuts.

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. – St Francis de Sales

Wow, we’ve been having the most incredible fall! Sunshine for days! It doesn’t get much better than this, and we’ve been soaking it up. My favorite time of year! It’s also the time of year when all the beautiful winter squashes are out, and these days, there are so many varieties to choose from; acorn squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, hubbard squash.

But one of my favorites is Delicata squash, and you will laugh when I tell you why. Because they are the perfect squash for lazy cooks, which, I must admit, sometimes I am! Can you guess why?

Because delicatas have very thin skins! This means you don’t have to peel them! Their skin is edible- and full of fiber!

Why You’ll Love This

1. Quick & easy! With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is so easy to make. Plus, you don’t have to peel the squash!
2. Layers of bold flavor. Aromatic shallots, warm and earthy toasted cumin seeds, and a tangy, sweet vinaigrette come together beautifully in this fall dish.
3. A versatile seasonal dish. This colorful recipe makes for an impressive holiday side dish, or you can serve it over whole grains with chicken or on top of dark, leafy greens for a festive salad.

What does delicata squash taste like? 

Delicata squash is known as the “sweet potato squash” because their flesh is sweet and earthy like sweet potato, and they have a similar texture! Some people taste a subtle corn flavor as well. In a nutshell, they taste delicious!

Delicata Squash Ingredients

• Delicata squash: Provides a sweet and earthy flavor, similar to sweet potato, and has a tender, creamy texture when roasted. The edible skin adds a slight chewiness to the dish.
• Shallots: Add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the squash. When roasted, they become soft and caramelized, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps to coat the squash and shallots, allowing them to roast evenly and imparting a smooth and buttery flavor to the dish.
• Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness to the roasted squash, balancing out the savory flavors. It also helps to create a caramelized glaze on the surface of the squash, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly acidic taste to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup and adding brightness to the overall flavor.
• Aleppo chili flakes (optional): Add a subtle spicy heat to the glaze, giving it a touch of complexity and elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Cumin seeds (optional): Add a warm and earthy flavor and bring subtle nuttiness and a hint of smokiness, enhancing its overall complexity and depth.
• Toasted, crushed hazelnuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing its texture and providing a contrasting element to the softness of the roasted squash. You can substitute pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Adds a vibrant and herbaceous flavor to the dish, offering a refreshing note that complements the other ingredients and adds a pop of color to the overall presentation.

How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash

Preheat oven to 425F

Wash squash and use a chef’s knife to slice into 1/2-inch rings. When you cut into the delicata squash, they look like sunshine. So bright and cheery. Scrape seeds out of each piece with a spoon.

Place in a medium bowl with the quartered shallots, and drizzle with oil and maple syrup. Add salt and pepper and toss to evenly coat well.

Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer ( you may need two, depending on your pan size).

Roast in the oven 20 minutes, then check every 5 minutes, until deeply golden.

While this is roasting, Make the optional Glaze. Place vinegar and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and aleppo chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, lower heat and simmer until it becomes thick and syrupy- about 5 minutes. You should end up with about 1/4 cup. Turn heat off.

When squash is done, place on a platter, scatting the shallots about. Top with the hazelnuts, then spoon the sauce over top.

Scatter with Italian parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

1. Save time! In addition to not peeling the skin, you can also save prep time by cutting the squash in half lengthwise, then scrape out the seeds and slice into half moons.
2. Use two baking sheets: Unless you have a large baking sheet, use two pans to ensure even baking. You want to give the squash enough space to roast!
3. Keep the sauce syrupy: While baking the glaze may start to thicken. Add a teaspoon or two of water and warm it up before serving over the squash.
4. Serve with goat cheese! Soft, crumbled goat cheese tastes amazing with this recipe! Sprinkle it over top when serving for a nice tangy contrast to the sweet squash.
5. Other garnish ideas: Pomegranate seeds, roasted garlic, more fresh herbs like rosemary, freshly cracked black pepper, a dusting of cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Delicata Squash

Not only does delicata squash taste delicious, but it also offers so many nutritional benefits!

1. Rich in nutrients: Delicata squash is packed with important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting overall health and proper bodily functions.
2. High in fiber: Delicata squash is an excellent source of dietary fiber, especially when you leave the skin on. Consuming fiber-rich foods like delicata squash can aid in digestion.
3. Eyesight support: Delicata squash is abundant in vitamin A, a nutrient essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. Vitamin A helps protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and improves night vision.
4. Immune system booster: The high vitamin C content in delicata squash helps strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, which can protect cells from damage and support collagen production.
5. Heart health: Delicata squash is low in calories and fat, making it a heart-healthy food choice. Additionally, its potassium content helps regulate blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
6. Antioxidant properties: Delicata squash contains antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a healthy side dish with Pan Roasted Chicken, Mushroom Wellington, or this Farro Salad with Kale, Almonds and Pomegranate!

More favorite winter squash recipes

Do you enjoy winter squash as much as we do? Here are some of our favorite winter squash recipes!

Roasted Butternut Squash

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Roasted Red Kuri Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash

You may also like 55 Veggie-Forward Side Dishes!

Hope you have a beautiful weekend. Enjoy the roasted delicata squash and let me know what you think in the comments below!

xoxo

Sylvia

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