Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe With Maple & Cinnamon Is Autumn Perfection (3 Ingredients) by Elisa Schmitz

My local farmers' market stays open until the middle of fall, so I'm lucky to be able to keep discovering farm-to-table treasures just a little while longer. On my most recent trip to the market, I found some delicious delicata squash. The farmer who grew it described the way he and his wife prepare it at home, so I couldn't wait to get into the kitchen and roast it up. As it turns out, this roasted delicata squash recipe with maple and cinnamon is autumn perfection!

Delicata is a sweet and "delicate" winter squash with tell-tale green and orange striping. The farmer noted that because its rind is so thin (or delicate), delicata skin is edible once cooked – and actually quite tasty. Delicata is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It's high in fiber and packed with vitamins and nutrients, among the many health benefits of delicata squash.

The roasted delicata squash recipe is so easy to make. With just three ingredients and in only about 45 minutes, you can have an unexpected side dish (or dessert!) that everyone will enjoy. To make this sweet and savory winter squash recipe, here are the simple ingredients you'll need to gather: delicata squash, maple syrup and ground cinnamon. That's it! All you do is rub the squash with maple syrup, sprinkle it with cinnamon then roast it until it's soft and tender. Top it with some chopped pecans for crunch, or some fresh parsley for color, if you like. It's a very simple gluten-free recipe with outstanding results.

Serve this beautiful squash recipe on its own as a nutritious snack or light lunch, or as a vegetarian and vegan side with your favorite fall meals. It makes a lovely side dish (or not-too-sweet dessert!) for gatherings with friends and family, and will have a starring role at my dinner table this holiday season.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 delicata squash, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 - 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• chopped pecans or fresh parsley (optional toppings)

Here's how to make it:

1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. (You also could try this recipe with butternut squash.)
   
2. Place squash cut sides up on a prepared baking sheet.
   
3. Spread the maple syrup over the squash, ensuring the syrup is evenly distributed.
   
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the squash, ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
   
5. Bake in an oven that's been preheated to 425 degrees F until squash is soft and tender (but not mushy), about 40 minutes.
   
6. Remove from oven and serve as is, or cut into slices. Garnish with chopped pecans or fresh parsley, if desired.
   
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
   

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