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Roasted Delicata Squash Rings with Maple Tahini

roasted delicata squash rings with maple tahini - featured image

Crispy, caramelized delicata squash rings drizzled with a nutty maple tahini sauce. An easy, impressive, and naturally vegan appetizer or side dish perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup well-stirred tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Optional garnishes: flaky sea salt, toasted sesame seeds, fresh pomegranate arils or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly. Trim off the tip and stem end, then slice crosswise into ½-inch thick rings.
  3. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  4. Place the rings in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with your hands until evenly coated.
  5. Spread the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the bowl with leftover oil-maple mixture.
  6. Roast for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Flip each ring over. Drizzle or brush the remaining oil-maple mixture over the rings.
  8. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until tender and edges are deep golden brown and slightly crispy.
  9. While the squash roasts, make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until thick. Slowly drizzle in warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth and drizzling consistency. Season with a pinch of salt.
  10. Transfer roasted rings to a serving platter. Drizzle with tahini sauce. Garnish with flaky sea salt, toasted sesame seeds, and pomegranate arils or parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the rings halfway through for even caramelization. Watch the maple syrup to prevent burning; tent with foil if edges get too dark. Prep ahead: slice and coat squash up to 4 hours in advance; sauce can be made a day ahead. For best texture, serve within 30 minutes of roasting, but also delicious at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, roasted squash, maple tahini, vegan appetizer, gluten-free, fall recipe, squash rings