This sumptuous roasted winter squash with cilantro chimichurri combines the sweetness of winter squash with the tangy and herbaceous chimichurri. It's a perfect side dish that showcases the versatility of winter squash, and the vibrant green chimichurri adds a beautiful contrast in color. The cilantro chimichurri is packed with fresh herbs and garlic, making it a perfect match for the hearty flavors of the squash.
The ingredient 'Urfa biber' also known as Urfa pepper, is a dried Turkish chili pepper of the type Capsicum annuum that has a smokey, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor. It is often used in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines. If you can't find it at your local supermarket, you can substitute it with a mix of sweet paprika and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Ingredients for Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri
Acorn: Acorn squash is a type of winter squash with a sweet, nutty taste. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for roasting the squash and making the chimichurri. Its fruity and peppery notes enhance the flavors of the dish.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the squash and the chimichurri.
Black pepper: Ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dish.
Cilantro: Cilantro is a key ingredient in chimichurri, giving it its characteristic fresh and slightly citrusy flavor.
Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, slightly bitter note to the chimichurri.
Oregano leaves: Oregano leaves provide earthy and slightly bitter notes to the chimichurri.
Urfa biber: This Turkish chili pepper adds a unique sweet and smoky flavor to the chimichurri.
Garlic: Garlic gives a robust and savory flavor to the chimichurri.
Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity to the chimichurri, balancing out the richness of the olive oil and the sweetness of the squash.
One reader, Ernesto Kowalski says:
The roasted winter squash with cilantro chimichurri recipe is a game-changer! The squash is perfectly tender and the chimichurri adds a burst of fresh, zesty flavor. It's a delightful combination that's both comforting and vibrant. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious and healthy meal.
Cooking Techniques for Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri
How to prepare the squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out and discard the strings and seeds, then cut the squash into 1-inch slices.
How to roast the squash: Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
How to prepare the cilantro chimichurri: In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, cilantro, parsley, oregano leaves, chili flakes, garlic, red wine vinegar, and salt.
How to serve: Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter or individual plates, top with a generous amount of chimichurri, and enjoy.
How To Make Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri
Simple and appetizing, this roasted winter squash is cooked until fork-tender, then served with a flavorful parsley and cilantro sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Squash:
- 3lbsacorn or Delicata squash
- 1tbspolive oil
- ¼tspsalt
- ground black pepper
For Cilantro Chimichurri:
- ½cupolive oil
- ½cupcilantro,finely chopped
- ½cupparsley,finely chopped
- 1tbsporegano leaves,finely chopped
- 1½tspurfa biber,or regular chili flakes
- ¼tspsalt
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- ¼cupred wine vinegar
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, a silicon baking mat, or parchment paper.
-
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the strings and seeds (save and roast the seeds, if desired). Cut the squash into 1-inch slices.
-
Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon or so of salt, and ground black pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Roast the squash for 30 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
-
While the squash is cooking prepare the chimichurri. In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, cilantro, parsley, oregano leaves, chili flakes, garlic, red wine vinegar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
-
Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter or individual plates, top with a generous amount of chimichurri, and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210.03kcal
- Fat: 15.44g
- Saturated Fat: 2.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.69g
- Carbohydrates: 19.16g
- Fiber: 3.05g
- Sugar: 0.07g
- Protein: 1.69g
- Sodium: 154.38mg
- Calcium: 74.03mg
- Potassium: 638.02mg
- Iron: 1.78mg
- Vitamin A: 50.26µg
- Vitamin C: 24.48mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Roasted Winter Squash
When preparing the acorn squash, use a sturdy, sharp knife and a cutting board with a grip to ensure safety. Squash can be quite tough to cut through, so it's important to use a 'rocking' motion with the knife, applying firm and steady pressure. Always cut away from your body to avoid any accidents. Additionally, when roasting the squash, make sure to spread the pieces out evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which may affect the texture and flavor of the squash.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the ingredients for the chimichurri in advance to save time when assembling the dish.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly and efficiently chop the herbs and garlic for the chimichurri.
Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, use that time to prepare the cilantro chimichurri to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality knife will make the process of cutting and preparing the squash much quicker and easier.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen workspace is organized and all the necessary ingredients and tools are easily accessible to save time during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe
acorn squash - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and its texture holds up well when roasted.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a great alternative for roasting.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley has a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor that can work well in the chimichurri.
parsley - Substitute with mint: Mint can add a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor to the chimichurri, complementing the roasted squash.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can bring a slightly earthy and floral flavor to the chimichurri, enhancing the overall taste.
urfa biber - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the chimichurri, creating depth and complexity.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the chimichurri, balancing the dish.
Plating Ideas for Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri
Elevate the squash slices: Arrange the roasted winter squash slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle the cilantro chimichurri: Using a squeeze bottle or a spoon, carefully drizzle the vibrant green cilantro chimichurri over the roasted squash, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and colors.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few fresh cilantro and parsley leaves over the dish to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Add a sprinkle of urfa biber: Lightly dust the plated dish with a pinch of urfa biber for a subtle hint of smoky, fruity flavor and a visually striking contrast.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the squash and chimichurri to stand out against the clean, white backdrop.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plating simple and elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the dish to shine through without overwhelming the senses.
Consider plate geometry: Experiment with different plate shapes to find the one that best complements the arrangement of the roasted squash and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize symmetry: Aim for symmetrical plating to create a sense of balance and harmony, ensuring that each element of the dish is thoughtfully presented.
Highlight texture variations: Showcase the contrast between the tender roasted squash and the vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri to create an enticing visual and sensory experience.
Utilize complementary colors: Choose serving plates that accentuate the natural colors of the dish, creating a visually stunning presentation that is both appetizing and aesthetically pleasing.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Oven: An appliance used for roasting, baking, and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering and wrapping food for cooking and storage.
- Silicon baking mat: A non-stick mat made of silicone used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Parchment paper: A grease-resistant paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Bowl: A container used for holding and serving food.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting food.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
- Fork: A utensil with prongs used for piercing and serving food.
- Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size used for mixing and serving food.
- Spoon: A utensil used for stirring, serving, and tasting food.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
- Food processor: An electric appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing food.
- Blender: An electric appliance used for blending and pureeing ingredients.
- Serving plates: Flat plates used for serving individual portions of food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Recipe
- To store leftover roasted winter squash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The cilantro chimichurri can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a good stir before using, as the olive oil may solidify when chilled.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted squash. Place the cooled squash pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the squash to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen roasted squash, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen squash on a baking sheet and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the squash in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- It's not recommended to freeze the chimichurri sauce, as the fresh herbs and garlic may lose their flavor and texture when thawed. It's best to make the chimichurri fresh when needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Winter Squash
To reheat leftover roasted winter squash in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the squash with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the roasted squash in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the squash from drying out.
If you have leftover cilantro chimichurri, store it separately from the squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating the squash, drizzle the chimichurri over the top after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
For a crispy texture, reheat the roasted squash in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the squash and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
If you have a lot of leftover roasted winter squash, consider repurposing it into a new dish. Mash the squash and use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. You can also add it to soups, stews, or chili for added flavor and nutrition.
Interesting Trivia About Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri
Acorn squash is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. It's a great addition to your diet for a healthy immune system and improved digestion.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
This roasted winter squash with cilantro chimichurri recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, winter squash, is affordable and readily available during the season. The additional components, such as olive oil, herbs, and garlic, are also budget-friendly and can be used for various other dishes. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10-$12. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and economical way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Roasted Winter Squash Recipe Healthy?
This roasted winter squash with cilantro chimichurri recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish. Acorn squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Roasting the squash enhances its natural sweetness and makes it more digestible. The chimichurri sauce, made with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, adds a burst of bright, zesty flavor while providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil in the chimichurri sauce to lower the overall calorie content
- Add more vegetables to the roasting pan, such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
- Experiment with different types of winter squash, such as butternut or kabocha, to vary the texture and flavor profile
- Serve the roasted squash over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens to create a balanced, nutrient-packed meal
- Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts over the finished dish for added crunch and healthy fats
Editor's Opinion on This Roasted Winter Squash Dish
The roasted winter squash with cilantro chimichurri recipe is a delightful combination of earthy sweetness from the squash and the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of the chimichurri. The roasted squash is perfectly seasoned and tender, while the cilantro chimichurri adds a refreshing and zesty kick. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is truly exceptional, making it a standout addition to any winter menu. It's a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the best of seasonal produce and bold, fresh flavors.
Enhance Your Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Recipe
Why trust this Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any winter squash enthusiast. The acorn squash is roasted to perfection with a touch of olive oil and seasonings, resulting in a tender and savory dish. The vibrant cilantro chimichurri adds a burst of freshness with its blend of cilantro, parsley, and oregano leaves, complemented by the zing of red wine vinegar and the warmth of garlic. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Winter Squash Salad Recipe
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup Recipe
Alice Waters’ Winter Squash Soup Recipe
Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup Recipe
Warm Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad Recipe
Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Butternut Squash Risotto with Saffron and Sage Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Puree Recipe
Delicata Squash Salad Recipe
Roasted Squash, Shallot, Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Delicata Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette Recipe
