Description
A simple, vegan side dish featuring roasted delicata squash with an edible skin, drizzled with a creamy, nutty maple tahini sauce. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium delicata squash (about 3–4 lbs / 1.5–2 kg)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade A or B)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the squash thoroughly. Cut off both ends and slice the squash in half crosswise. Scoop out seeds and pulp. Slice each half into 1/2-inch thick half-moon slices.
- Place squash slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden-brown.
- While squash roasts, whisk together tahini, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
- Gradually whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
- Transfer roasted squash to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Garnish with pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Delicata squash has an edible skin, so no peeling is required. Ensure slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow for caramelization. The tahini sauce may seize initially when mixing with liquid; keep whisking and add water gradually to smooth it out. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 8
Keywords: vegan, delicata squash, roasted vegetables, maple tahini, gluten-free, healthy side dish, easy dinner, autumn recipes