Roasted Delicata squash is delicious and the perfect side dish. Pictured here with an easy weeknight dinner that includes a pan-fried lamb patty (seasoned with salt, pepper, & thyme) & green beans (cooked from frozen with water, dash of olive oil, salt, pepper, & garlic).
Winter squash is a favorite SCD substitute for starchy foods. Not only for the taste but also the comfort food aspect of it as well. Delicata is my favorite. The rind is edible when cooked and easier to work than other winter squashes with when preparing. They are perfect for stuffing as well. The only tricky part is finding them. At first, Trader Joe’s was the only place I found them, but now they are popping up in other supermarkets. Farmers markets may be another good place to look.
This recipe is the sheet pan method and a great option for weeknights. The squash doesn’t take long to prepare, then you can throw the rest of the meal together while it is roasting.
The ingredients include: Delicata squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and a clove of garlic. Preheat the oven to 450F degrees (220C).
Wash the Delicatas. Carefully slice the ends off with a sharp knife. Stand it up on one end and then slice in half.
Scoop the seeds out and scrape to be somewhat clean. They won’t be perfectly smooth, but most of the stringiness should be gone. I find a grapefruit spoon is the perfect tool for this.
Save a few seeds if you happen to garden. Delicatas are very easy to grow. I’ve had a few pop up in my compost pile.
Lay the halves cut side down and slice them about 1/4″ to 1/2″. Mine tend to be right in the middle (1/3″?). The 1/4″ slices will be a tad crispy.
Put the slices in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the olive oil, a clove or two of minced garlic, thyme, salt & pepper together. Toss with the slices until they are evenly coated. Then spread the slices in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You can turn flip the slices after 10 minutes if you wish, so each side is evenly browned. However, I often forget to do this [(I always was a little lazy) (I got that from Taxi)]. Enjoy!
Roasted Delicata Squash
1 large or 2 small Delicata Squash
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 – 2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
1 teaspoon dried Thyme or 1 Tablespoon fresh
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
¼ teaspoon Pepper
1. Preheat oven to 425F/220C degrees.
2. Wash and rinse the Delicatas. Cut off ends then cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh. Note: save the seeds if you want to grow your own.
3. Cut into ¼” to ½” slices. Add slices to a large mixing bowl. Whisk olive oil with seasonings. Toss with slices to evenly coat.
4. Spread slices on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake 20 – 25 minutes. Serve warm.
Here are some more SCD-friendly squash recipes from other bloggers:
Stuffed Delicata Squash from Gutsy by Nature
Butternut Squash Tots by Happy Gut for Life
Tangy Spiced Delicata Squash by Bridgetown Nutrition
Simple Recipe for Butternut Squash Latkes from Elana’a Pantry
The Foggy Noggin' Diner 