Spicy Ancho Butternut Squash Tacos with Cilantro Cream
Indulge in these vibrant and flavorful Spicy Ancho Butternut Squash Tacos, featuring roasted butternut squash tossed in a blend of spices, creamy sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Perfectly roasted and seasoned to perfection, these tacos are a delightful journey for your taste buds. Served with warm tortillas and accompanied by guacamole, hot sauce, and zesty lemon wedges, this recipe is ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy the combination of earthy flavors and bright toppings!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (halved and sliced)
vegetable oil
4 tablespoons
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
dried oregano
2 teaspoons
dried ancho chile powder
2 teaspoons
fine sea salt
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
a good pinch
butternut squash
44 ounces (peeled and cubed (2 lb. 12 oz.))
corn or flour tortillas
8-12 (warmed)
sour cream
to taste
fresh cilantro
a few sprigs
guacamole
to taste
hot sauce
to taste
lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions, vegetable oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chili powder, sea salt, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
3
Add the cubed butternut squash to the bowl and toss gently until all pieces are well coated with the spice mixture.
4
Spread the seasoned squash and onion mixture evenly on a large baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are in a single layer for even roasting.
5
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and nicely browned, stirring halfway through for uniform cooking.
6
Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mixture cool slightly.
7
To assemble the tacos, warm the corn or flour tortillas. Place a generous scoop of the roasted butternut squash mix in the center of each tortilla.
8
Top with a spoonful of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves.
9
Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by guacamole, your favorite hot sauce, and lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
53
Carbs
7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Ancho Butternut Squash Tacos?
Spicy Ancho Butternut Squash Tacos are a vibrant dish featuring roasted butternut squash tossed in a blend of spices like ancho chili and cumin, served in warm tortillas with creamy toppings.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for optimal roasting of the butternut squash.
How long does it take to roast the squash?
The butternut squash and onion mixture should roast for 25-35 minutes until tender and nicely browned.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The recipe uses a blend of ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chili powder, sea salt, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the tacos feature ancho chili powder and can be further customized with your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I make these tacos vegan?
To make this recipe fully vegan, simply substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan yogurt.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
You can use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled and cut into cubes. You will need about 44 ounces (2 lb. 12 oz.) for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in these tacos.
How much protein do these tacos provide?
These tacos contain 7 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates?
Each serving has 53 grams of carbohydrates.
How should the onions be prepared?
One large onion should be halved and sliced before being mixed with the spices and oil.
Should I stir the squash while it roasts?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the mixture halfway through the roasting time to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
What toppings are recommended?
The recipe suggests topping with sour cream and fresh cilantro sprigs.
What side dishes go well with these tacos?
These tacos are best served with guacamole, hot sauce, and fresh lemon wedges.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you choose corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Why is cinnamon included in the recipe?
A pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the earthy flavor of the butternut squash.
What type of oil should I use for roasting?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the vegetables and spices.
How do I assemble the tacos?
Warm your tortillas, place a scoop of the roasted squash mix in the center, and top with sour cream and cilantro.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, while the recipe suggests lemon wedges, lime is a traditional Mexican-inspired alternative that pairs perfectly with these flavors.
How many tortillas does this recipe require?
The recipe yields enough filling for approximately 8 to 12 tortillas.
Can I prepare the squash in advance?
You can peel and cube the squash ahead of time to save time during the cooking process.
Is ancho chile powder different from regular chili powder?
Ancho chile powder is made specifically from dried poblano peppers and has a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor compared to generic chili blends.
How do I ensure the squash roasts evenly?
Spread the seasoned squash and onions in a single layer on a large baking sheet so they don't steam.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Fine sea salt is recommended to evenly season the squash and onion mixture.
What kind of cilantro should I use?
Fresh cilantro sprigs are best for adding a bright, citrusy finish to the tacos.
Are these tacos suitable for a cozy night in?
Absolutely! The recipe description notes they are ideal for both gatherings and cozy nights.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The specific fiber content is not provided in the raw data, though butternut squash is generally a good source of fiber.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
While fresh is recommended for better texture, you can use frozen squash if you adjust the roasting time to account for the extra moisture.