Baked Carnival Squash

#Vegetarian

Fall is here! Even if it isn’t fall or cold wherever you are, this recipe will give you that fall feeling. Carnival squash is one the most underrated variety of squash, yet it is one of the most versatile. You can make it savory or sweet, and even when it is savory, it has a slight natural sweetness to it. Like acorn squash, carnival squash is soft on the interior when baked and easily comes out with a fork or spoon. Try out the recipe below for Roasted Carnival Squash and the changing leaves, bright orange pumpkins, and mild weather will come creeping into your mind.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

Carnival squash
2 Tbsp. Unsalted butter (if making sweet version)
2 Tbsp. Brown sugar (if making sweet version)
2 Tbsp. Olive oil (if making savory version)
Salt and pepper

Cooking Steps

Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Wash and Cut Squash

Rinse and scrub the squash well to remove any possible residue.

Cut off the top and bottom of the squash to give a more even surface for cutting. Once even, cut squash in half lengthwise.

Remove Seeds

Take out the seeds from the squash halves using a spoon or any other kitchen utensil on hand. Discard seeds or save for future use.

Baking Squash

Place squash halves face side up on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Determine what type of squash you desire: sweet or savory.

Sweet:

Ingredients: Brown sugar, butter, and salt (if necessary)

Melt 2 Tbsp. of butter in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until completely melted. Alternatively, heat the butter in a stovetop pan over medium heat until fully melted.

Once butter is melted, coat the insides of the acorn squash halves with the melted butter. Add a pinch of salt on top of the halves if using unsalted butter.

Top each squash halve with 1 Tbsp. of brown sugar

Bake squash for 20 mins face side up to caramelize the top.

After 20 mins, flip squash halves over and bake for an additional 20 mins or until softened.

Take out of the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Savory:

Ingredients: Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Drizzle 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to coat each squash half.

Season well with salt and pepper. To add some extra flavor, add any additional spices such as cumin or cayenne.

Bake squash for 20 mins face side up to caramelize the top.

After 20 mins, flip squash halves over and bake for an additional 20 mins or until softened.

Take out of the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving)

Carnival Squash-Sweet

Calories: 238

Fat: 26g

Net Carbs: 23g

Total Carbs: 27g

Fiber: 4g

Protein: 4g

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving)

Carnival Squash-Savory

Calories: 203

Fat: 27g

Net Carbs: 10g

Total Carbs: 14g