Sweet & Spicy Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet & Spicy Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash, a simple yet impressive side dish perfect for autumn gatherings or weeknight dinners. Kabocha squash, known for its velvety texture and natural sweetness, pairs beautifully with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe balances sweetness with a hint of warmth from cayenne, complemented by the rich flavors of maple syrup and sesame oil. The skin, which is tender enough to eat, retains moisture as it roasts, allowing the squash to caramelize beautifully in the oven. Serve it hot or at room temperature for a vibrant addition to any meal.
4
Servings
63
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kabocha Squash
1/2 small (de-seeded and sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices)
Light Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons (plus additional for sprinkling)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste (can substitute with hot chili powder))
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Soy Sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking liner or parchment paper.
2
Cut the kabocha squash in half, remove the seeds, and slice it into 1/4 inch thick wedges. There's no need to peel the squash as the skin is tender when roasted.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to create your spice blend.
4
Toss the squash slices in the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Add the soy sauce and mix again until the slices are well combined and coated.
5
Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle sesame oil over the top for added flavor.
6
Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip the slices, drizzle with additional sesame oil, and sprinkle with more brown sugar. Roast for another 10-15 minutes or until the squash is caramelized and tender.
7
Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy this deliciously addictive dish!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary vegetable in this Sweet & Spicy Roasted recipe?
The primary vegetable used is Kabocha squash, known for its velvety texture and natural sweetness.
Do I need to peel the Kabocha squash before roasting?
No, there is no need to peel the squash as the skin is tender enough to eat once roasted.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting.
How long does the squash need to roast in total?
The squash roasts for a total of 25 to 30 minutes: 15 minutes on the first side and another 10-15 minutes after flipping.
What spices are included in the spice blend?
The spice blend consists of cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
Yes, you can substitute cayenne pepper with hot chili powder if preferred.
Is this Sweet & Spicy Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 63 calories.
How should I slice the kabocha squash?
After removing the seeds, slice the squash into 1/4 inch thick wedges.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
You can use either a silicone baking liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What role does the soy sauce play in the recipe?
Soy sauce is mixed with the squash and spices to add a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of oil is used for roasting?
Sesame oil is used to drizzle over the squash for added flavor and to aid caramelization.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either hot or at room temperature.
How much brown sugar is required for the initial coating?
You will need 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar for the initial spice mixture, plus more for sprinkling later.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the cholesterol content is listed as null/zero.
How much fiber is in a serving of this squash?
Each serving provides about 2 grams of fiber.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When should I flip the squash during the roasting process?
Flip the squash slices after the first 15 minutes of roasting.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe's category?
It is tagged under 'Vegetable', 'roasted vegetables', 'autumn recipes', and 'healthy side dish'.
How much fat is in a single serving?
A single serving contains 1 gram of fat.
What is the amount of sugar per serving?
Each serving contains 4 grams of sugar.
How much cumin is used in the spice mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What should I do after flipping the squash slices?
Drizzle them with additional sesame oil and sprinkle with more brown sugar before finishing the roast.
What are the characteristics of Kabocha squash mentioned?
Kabocha squash is known for its velvety texture, natural sweetness, and edible skin.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
Is the sodium content high in this dish?
The exact sodium value is not specified in the data, but it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
What season is this dish best suited for?
It is described as a perfect side dish for autumn gatherings.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.