Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash Bowl (Printable Version)

Creamy roasted squash balanced with maple sweetness, warming spices, and gentle chili heat in a vibrant seasonal bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium red kuri squash (about 2 pounds), seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
03 - 2 cups kale, chopped with stems removed
04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, optional for serving

→ Spices and Seasonings

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes, adjusted to heat preference
10 - 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sweet and Tangy Elements

12 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Garnishes

14 - 0.25 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine red kuri squash cubes and red onion slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated with spice mixture.
03 - Spread seasoned vegetables in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
04 - Drizzle maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over partially roasted vegetables. Toss gently to coat and return to oven for 10 minutes until caramelized and tender.
05 - While squash continues roasting, steam or sauté chopped kale until just wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa, if using, among four serving bowls. Top each with roasted squash, caramelized onions, and wilted kale.
07 - Top each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The squash gets so creamy and tender you won't believe it's just vegetables roasted in the oven.
  • Those warming spices—paprika, cinnamon, cumin—create a flavor that feels like fall even if it's not, and somehow work perfectly with the sweetness of maple.
  • It comes together in under an hour and works as either a light main course or an impressive side dish that'll make people ask for the recipe.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet—if your pieces are piled on top of each other, they'll steam instead of roast, and you'll miss out on those caramelized edges that make this dish special.
  • The maple syrup really does need to go in during the last ten minutes; if you add it at the beginning, it'll burn and taste bitter rather than creating that gorgeous caramel.
03 -
  • If your pumpkin seeds aren't roasted yet, toss them in a hot skillet with a pinch of salt for just a few minutes—homemade roasted seeds taste exponentially better than the ones that have been sitting in a bag.
  • The apple cider vinegar is non-negotiable; it's what makes this bowl feel balanced rather than cloying, so don't try to substitute it with regular vinegar or lemon.
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