Maple-Roasted Squash With Charred Lemon

Updated Nov. 21, 2024

Maple-Roasted Squash With Charred Lemon
Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Total Time
55 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Rating
5(182)
Comments
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This colorful roasted squash dish is both bracing and sweet. Charred bits of lemon balance the maple syrup, which almost candies the squash as it roasts, while cardamom and coriander add a perfumed, sophisticated touch. Using a mix of winter squashes will give you the most interesting flavors and textures since they’re all a little different. Any combination of delicata, butternut, honey nut and kabocha works very well. The only variety to avoid is acorn, which has a starchier texture that doesn’t absorb the syrup as well as the others.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings
  • 1lemon, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • ½teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more as needed
  • ¼cup maple syrup
  • 3tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Large pinch of chile powder, plus more as needed
  • 3pounds mixed winter squash (honey nut, butternut, delicata and/or kabocha), seeded and sliced into 1-inch-thick crescents, half moons or 1-inch cubes
  • 1tablespoon olive oil, more for drizzling
  • 1teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1teaspoon whole coriander seeds, lightly crushed with a knife
  • Mint or celery leaves, parsley and/or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

141 calories; 6 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 22 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 155 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Slice one lemon half crosswise and then slice very thinly into half-moons. Reserve the remaining lemon half for squeezing over the roasted squash.

  3. Step 3

    Bring a small pot of salted water to boil. Add lemon slices and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain well and reserve.

  4. Step 4

    In the same small saucepan (no need to wash it) over medium heat, combine maple syrup, butter and chile powder. Gently simmer for 2 minutes to thicken the syrup slightly.

  5. Step 5

    In a large bowl, toss together the squash, olive oil, cardamom, coriander seeds and salt.

  6. Step 6

    Pour in the maple syrup mixture and lemons, and toss again to combine. Spread squash mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing the mixture halfway through, until the squash is flecked with brown and tender, and the lemons are caramelized.

  7. Step 7

    Place squash and lemon on a platter and drizzle with more oil and squeeze on a little lemon juice from the reserved half. Garnish with herbs or celery and more chile powder if you like.

Ratings

5 out of 5
182 user ratings
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Comments

@Nancy Delicata squash skin is thin and edible! It has a delicate (!) snap that is a nice contrast to the soft center.

For cooks asking about whether to peel these squash, you don't need to. All three of the kinds of squash listed in this recipe, delicata, honey nut and kabocha have tender and edible skins when the squash and cooked to a certain stage.

Have you served this room temp? Would prefer to make it ahead but not if it sacrifices the flavors.

Used a delicata and followed recipe exactly except roasted less time (as squash was done), and it was a disappointment.

This is like your chicken thighs with acorn squash recipe - one of my favorites’!

So delicious! Used five spice powder instead of coriander (because I was out and it's snowing) and it was warmly spiced and yummy. Would include more sliced lemons the next time as they are excellent but not enough.

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