Maple Roasted Acorn Squash, a delightful autumnal dish, embodies the essence of fall on a plate. This flavorful and comforting recipe celebrates the natural sweetness and earthy richness of acorn squash, elevated by the infusion of maple syrup’s warmth and depth.
As the season transitions and crisp fall air settles in, the appearance of acorn squash in markets heralds a culinary adventure. This dish encapsulates the essence of the season, offering a comforting blend of sweet and savory flavors that perfectly complement the vibrant hues of autumn.
The marriage of the squash’s inherent nuttiness with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds. This dish is not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, presenting a stunning array of warm, amber-toned squash slices glistening with the glaze of maple syrup.
The preparation of this recipe requires minimal effort, making it an ideal addition to autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy family dinners. The result is a dish that captures the essence of the season, delivering a burst of fall flavors that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia with every delightful bite.
Ingredients:
– 3 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons maple syrup
– ¾ cup chopped pecans
– ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
– Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Place the halved acorn squash, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and any stringy bits from the orange flesh.
3. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over the squash halves, using just enough to coat them.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour until the squash turns golden and tender.
5. While the squash bakes, in a mixing bowl, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, chopped pecans, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper.
6. Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and evenly spoon the pecan and butter mixture into each of the six halves.
7. Return the squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pecan mixture caramelizes beautifully.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of tender acorn squash complemented by the rich sweetness of maple syrup, warm spices, and toasted pecans in this delectable dish!