Savory and Sweet: Exploring Delicious Vegan Acorn Squash Recipes

Acorn squash, with its vibrant green exterior and sweet, nutty flesh, is a fall favorite. But did you know this versatile gourd lends itself beautifully to a variety of vegan dishes? Whether you crave savory dinners or comforting desserts, Vegan Acorn Squash Recipes offer something for everyone.

Why Choose Acorn Squash?

Beyond its delightful flavor, acorn squash boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It’s packed with vitamins C and A, both powerful antioxidants, and is a good source of fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Getting Started: Prepping Your Acorn Squash

Before diving into our favorite vegan acorn squash recipes, let’s cover the basics of preparing this gourd:

1. Wash and dry: Give your acorn squash a good rinse under cold water and pat it dry.
2. Slice in half: Carefully slice the squash lengthwise, from stem to tip, using a sharp chef’s knife.
3. Scoop out the seeds: Using a spoon, remove the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each half.
   

   Chef’s Tip: Don’t discard those seeds! Roasted acorn squash seeds make a delicious and nutritious snack. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, and roast alongside the squash.

Roasted acorn squash halves on a baking sheet

Classic Roasted Acorn Squash: A Simple Delight

Roasting acorn squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, prepared as above
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the squash halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle each half with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam.
5. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is easily pierced with a fork.

Chef’s Tip: To enhance the flavor, add a pat of vegan butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to each squash half before roasting.

Close-up of roasted acorn squash seasoned with herbs

Savory Vegan Acorn Squash Recipes: Hearty and Flavorful

1. Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries

This festive dish combines hearty wild rice, tart cranberries, and earthy herbs for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 roasted acorn squash
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cranberries, walnuts, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each roasted squash half with the wild rice mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Vegan stuffed acorn squash with wild rice and cranberries filling

Emily Carter, Vegan Chef, says: “Wild rice adds a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture to this dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other grains like quinoa or farro.”

2. Spicy Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Acorn Squash

Spice up your dinner routine with this flavorful recipe featuring black beans, corn, and a hint of chili powder.

Ingredients:

• 1 roasted acorn squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
3. Fill the roasted acorn squash halves with the black bean mixture.
4. Broil for a few minutes to lightly brown the top.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Chef’s Tip: For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the black beans before adding them to the skillet.

Sweet Vegan Acorn Squash Recipes: Indulgent Treats

1. Vegan Acorn Squash Pie

This twist on a classic pie will satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for dairy or eggs.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cooked and mashed acorn squash
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 (9-inch) vegan pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, mashed acorn squash, maple syrup, almond milk, spices, and salt.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before serving.

Slice of vegan acorn squash pie on a plate

2. Vegan Acorn Squash Bread

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every slice of this moist and delicious bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water)
• 1 cup cooked and mashed acorn squash

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the flax eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed acorn squash.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Emily Carter, Vegan Chef, says: “Acorn squash adds a natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. You can substitute it for some of the oil or butter in many recipes.”

Vegan Acorn Squash Recipes: FAQs

1. Can I eat the skin of acorn squash?

Yes! The skin of acorn squash is edible, especially when roasted. It becomes tender and adds a nice texture to your dishes.

2. How do I store leftover cooked acorn squash?

Store leftover cooked acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. What can I do with leftover cooked acorn squash?

Leftover cooked acorn squash can be added to salads, soups, or used as a topping for toast.

4. Can I freeze acorn squash?

Yes, you can freeze acorn squash. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast or steam it until tender. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

5. What are some other spices that go well with acorn squash?

Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, other spices that complement acorn squash include ginger, cardamom, and allspice. You can also experiment with savory flavors like rosemary, thyme, or sage.

From savory dinners to sweet treats, vegan acorn squash recipes offer endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals. Embrace the versatility of this autumnal ingredient and explore the world of flavors it brings to your plate.