(Note: this post was originally published on December 20, 2020. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)
Sometimes the simplest things are truly the best, and that is undoubtedly the case with this squash. A very small number of ingredients come together to create a dish that is cozy, warming, nostalgic, and complex. This Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash has rapidly become a fall and winter go-to for us and I hope it will for you as well.
If you've followed this blog for a while, you're aware of my love for delicata squash. They're the easiest and fastest winter squash to work with because you can eat the skin. Just scoop out the seeds, cut them into slices, roast for about 20 minutes, and that's it- squash in no time. I also love their delicate, sweet flavor and creamy texture.
At the risk of stating the obvious, we eat a tremendous number of these little squashes during the winter. I can't get enough of them, and they're a great weeknight squash. We usually just roast them and toss them onto salads, although I also love stuffing them (check out my Wild Rice Stuffed Delicata Squash!). If you haven't explored delicata yet, now is the time.
My goal with this dish was to turn my everyday squash into something very festive and holiday-appropriate. This dish takes 25-30 minutes from beginning to end, most of which is hands-off, which means you can easily add it as a side dish to holiday meals or winter get-togethers. Yet the flavors here are truly special and celebratory.
The flavors in this squash remind me of wassail, the holiday drink (google it if you're unfamiliar, you need to experience it!). Wassail is usually a combination of apple cider, orange juice, and warming spices, cooked all day so that the flavors meld. I've mimicked those flavors here by tossing the squash in apple cider, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, and the tiniest bit of cayenne for warmth. It's a flavor combination that screams holiday.
While this is an incredibly quick and easy recipe, there are two little tricks: one for the method and one for the flavor. In terms of cooking, I like to roast the squash plain until the slices are barely tender, then toss them in the marinade, then return them to the oven for another ten minutes. It's a (quick) extra step, but it prevents the maple syrup and orange zest from burning. Please trust me on this, it only takes about two extra minutes!
In terms of flavor, you'll see that the ingredient list calls for a pinch of cayenne. This isn't to make the squash spicy! Rather, it's there to provide a tiny bit of warmth and depth, and to act as a counterpoint to the sweetness. Don't omit it, but don't go overboard either. It's the unidentifiable subtlety of the cayenne that really brings this dish to life.
Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Make this squash all winter long, whenever you need some comfort food. It will make your house smell amazing! You can serve it as a side dish alongside a festive meal, put it on top of salads, or use it as an element in a cozy Buddha Bowl. We've especially been enjoying it as a Friday date night nibble alongside some wintry cocktails!
However you use it, this squash is like a cozy hug.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
This fragrant, comforting, seasonal dish features delicata squash roasted in sweet orange and spicy cinnamon. It's festive enough for a fall or winter holiday, but easy enough for a weeknight.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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