Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash (Print Version)

Creamy roasted squash with warming spices, maple sweetness, and chili heat

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium red kuri squash (about 2 pounds), seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
03 - 2 cups kale, chopped with stems removed
04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa (optional)

→ Spice & Seasoning

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes
10 - ¾ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sweet & Tangy

12 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Garnishes

14 - ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the red kuri squash and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
04 - Drizzle the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over the partially roasted vegetables, toss gently, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until caramelized and tender.
05 - While the squash roasts, steam or sauté the chopped kale until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa (if using) among four bowls. Top with roasted squash, onions, and wilted kale.
07 - Garnish each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The combination of maple and chili creates that addictive sweet heat balance that keeps you coming back for another bite
  • Everything roasts on one sheet pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your meal
  • Red kuri squash has edible skin, so no peeling required and you get extra fiber without any extra work
02 -
  • Red kuri squash skin is edible and actually adds nice texture, so do not bother peeling it
  • The maple syrup can burn if you add it too early, which is why we add it halfway through roasting
  • Letting the vegetables rest for a few minutes after roasting helps the flavors settle and meld together
03 -
  • Cut your squash into uniform pieces so everything roasts evenly
  • Warm your spices briefly in a dry pan before using them to wake up their essential oils
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