Acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in various ways. Here's a simple recipe for cooking acorn squash:
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Squash:** Wash the acorn squash under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Place the squash on a cutting board.
3. **Cut the Squash:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squash in half vertically from stem to bottom. Be cautious as acorn squash can be tough to cut.
4. **Remove Seeds:** Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each squash half, similar to how you would clean out a pumpkin.
5. **Season the Squash:** Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the cut sides of the squash halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add other seasonings such as brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, or other spices for extra flavor.
6. **Roast the Squash:** Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
7. **Serve:** Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Flip the squash halves over so the cut side is facing up. Serve the roasted acorn squash halves as is or scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork for a smoother texture.