Can we all just stop an acknowledge how amazing the food is in the Fall? One of the best parts about the weather cooling down is all the fresh new produce, and my favorite are all the beautiful winter squash! In case you aren’t super familiar with this seasonal fruit, winter squash take longer to mature and have hard skin. They can be harvested and stored for 3-6 months before eating. Summer squash typically have thinner skin and should be eaten when it’s soft. They cannot be stored for long periods of time.
Now, on to the good stuff. What are some of the winter squashes? Acorn, Butternut (my fav!), Spaghetti, Banana, Sweet Dumpling, Carnival, Delicata and Pumpkin are just a few. There are MANY winter squash and they can all be roasted the same, or made into some seriously delicious recipes. I’ve found some of the best looking winter squash recipes and plan to make them all this autumn and winter!
Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com
1. Turkey, Mushroom, Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
One of the best things about winter squash is the hard skin makes them a perfect “bowl” for all sorts of fillings! Cut open, scoop out the seeds and roast. While they are baking away, you can sautee all sorts of other goodies, like this turkey, mushroom and apple mixture that pairs well with the sweet acorn squash. This is a perfectly healthy dinner that is done in under an hour.
Visit thecleaneatingcouple.com for more idea on eating clean, easily!
Source: RasaMalaysia.com
2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash
Winter squash makes a great side dish, in addition to serving as a main course. This super simple garlic parmesan roasted butternut squash is delicious and flavorful. You only need squash, butter, garlic, cheese and parsley to be one happy camper. Most likely, the hardest part of prepping this dish will be cutting and peeling your squash!
You’ll find the whole recipe at RasaMalaysia.com.
Source: CookinCanuck.com
3. Caprese Spaghetti Squash With Roasted Tomatoes
Because of the meaty texture of winter squash, they make a great substitute for pasta or even meat. If you tend to lean towards vegetarian meals you probably already love caprese salads and sandwiches- who doesn’t love all that cheese and basil? Well this spaghetti squash meal steals the show with roasted tomatoes and all the other favorite things you love about caprese.
Head over to CookinCanuck.com for more ideas on healthy cooking and lifestyle.
Source: SimplyRecipes.com
4. Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi
Fluffy pumpkin gnocchi is made possible through the use of ricotta cheese. This recipe combines browned butter and sage, and when you mix it with the pillowy-soft goodness of pumpkin gnocchi? It’s nothing short of divine! This is a great way to say HELLO FALL.
We love SimplyRecipes.com for this recipe and all the others that make cooking fun and easy.
Source: DinnerAtTheZoo.com
5. Brown Sugar Delicata Squash
Most winter squash require careful cutting and peeling because of their rigid skin. The Delicata squash, however has an edible skin, and is much easier to cut (major bonus for not fearing a loss of a finger while cutting one of these open!). Simply open, scoop out seeds, slice and then coat in cinnamon, brown sugar and maple syrup for a recipe that even your kids can’t say no to!
If you are a busy mom, then you’ll love finding recipes at DinnerAtTheZoo.com. Blog creator, Sara, puts together healthy and family friendly recipes that you’ll love.
Source: SpoonForkBacon.com
6. Kobocha Ravioli With Toasted Hazelnut Sauce
If you love to cook, you won’t mind taking on this slightly challenging recipe with a delicious homemade sauce. You’re making these beautiful raviolis from start to finish, but it will be so worth it in the end!
Check out SpoonForkBacon.com to get your hands on this recipe!
Source: SeasonsAndSuppers.ca
7. Carnival Squash With Thai Curry Filling
All you spicy food overs out there will dig this flavorful Carnival Squash with Thai Curry filling. Red pepper and curry paste really give this recipe a punch, and the gorgeous squash serves as a beautiful bowl that will wow all your dinner guests.
There are plenty more where this came from, over at SeasonsAndSuppers.ca.
Source: FoxesLoveLemons.com
8. Sweet Dumpling Squash Soup
You can’t make it through Autumn without whipping up a few batches of soup, especially when it comes to using winter squash. Typically you see butternut squash soup everywhere, and that’s why I love this Sweet Dumpling Squash soup- it’s a welcome change that’s just as beautiful and delicious.
Find more recipes that are perfect for the “home chef” at FoxesLoveLemons.com.
We think you’ll love some of our other autumn recipes posts too!