Coconutty Cinnamon Baked Squash

October 20, 2014

By Anna Varriano

It’s hard to visit a Farmers’ Market or grocery store at this time of year without seeing a wide variety of winter squash available.  These veggies are a great source of powerful antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Winter squash are also a great source of pectins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and insulin-regulating properties.

Squash is so versatile! It can be baked, steamed, stir-fried, grated, added to baking, turned into ‘spaghetti’ with a julienne peeler, added to soups and stews, and more! Here is one of my favourite ways to enjoy squash. I hope you like it too!

What You’ll Need

  • a medium-sized acorn squash
  • 3 TBSP of softened or melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp of maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp of unrefined sea salt
  • an oven heated to 350F

Prepping – Step 1

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Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.

 

 

Prepping – Step 2

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I like to cut a little piece off the bottom of each half so that the squash will sit flat and level in the baking dish. This allows a more even distribution of the yummy coconut oil mixture.

 

Prepping – Step 3

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Using a fork, repeatedly stab the inside of the squash until you’ve poked loads of holes. These will allow the coconut oil mixture to get into the squash.

 

Prepping – Step 4

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Make the yummy coconut oil mixture by mixing together the coconut oil, salt, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

 

 

Prepping – Step 5

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Spoon the coconut oil mixture into and over the squash. Use a basting brush to distribute it as evenly as possible. Some will naturally pool into the bottom of the squash.

 

Cooking and Serving

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Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until squash is very soft. You can test its doneness by inserting a fork into the flesh. It should go in very easily. Serve as is or cut into wedges and scoop out the flesh to enjoy, or scoop out the flesh and serve it mashed. For a beautiful and yummy serving twist, you can put the roasted squash half on a plate and fill it with your favourite stew, curry, or chunky soup.

 

Enjoy!

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