This warm, buttery squash is tinged with smoky flavors and just the right amount of heat!
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious roasted squash recipe, this side dish will hit the spot. Sweet and tender squash is coated with a smoky, sweet rub and roasted to perfection. It’s then topped with a spicy, flavorful pesto and some creamy goat cheese. If you don’t eat a lot of winter squash, you’re missing out. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can use any type of squash you like in this recipe, or even sweet potatoes! This roasted squash makes a nice side dish to grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served as a delicious vegetarian entrée when paired with the whole grain of your choice.
The Health Benefits Of Adobo Roasted Squash
When it comes to discussing health benefits of vegetables, we particularly love them for cancer fighting properties. With its over-the-top amount of beta carotene and Vitamin A (one serving provides an entire RDAs worth), squash can help boost immunity. Just like its other orange colored cousins, one serving of this really does the body good.
Additionally, squash provides a healthy dose of potassium. Because less than 2% of adults in the US consume the recommended amount of potassium, everyone should eat more squash. In fact, squash contains more potassium than bananas. Who knew?
Spicy Side Dishes Increase Weight Loss
You don’t have to douse your side dishes with cayenne to achieve the great effects spicy foods offer in terms of weight loss and maintenance. Adding any kind of pepper to your diet helps suppress the appetite and also can literally create a calorie burn. If you can handle the heat, your body will actually thank you for it.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, both chipotle and jalapeño peppers contain anti-inflammation properties. The heat provided by these spicy little jewels helps to clear clogged mucous membranes. That kick you get from the first bite also jump-starts your metabolism, so this adobo roasted squash is a perfect dish to master.
How To Make The Squash With Pesto
So, first things first, process the butternut. Use a good peeler or very sharp knife for this. You may cut and quarter the pieces for ease of preparation. When that part is all said and done, you are so ready. Alternatively you can purchase those expensive bags of pre-cut butternut. I’ll admit, they’re awesome. If you do decide to go that route, just make sure the expiration date isn’t looming and the squash doesn’t look watery around the cuts.
From there, the rub for the roast is a breeze and the blitz in the blender for the pesto is easy. To ensure the squash is cooked all the way through, use a sharp fork to pierce a few pieces. Like comparing the pieces to a baked potato, they should be very soft and not hard. Depending on your oven, you might need to rack up another 15-30 minutes.
I served this adobo roasted squash with marinated portobellos and sauteed rainbow chard. You can also top any grain with it or serve this spicy dish as a side to your protein of choice. A glass of milk on the side or more goat cheese on top provide immediate cooling qualities. Ready? Set? Bring the heat to the table!
Adobo Roasted Squash with Jalapeño Cilantro Pesto
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 acorn squash peeled, seeded, and diced or butternut squash
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Pesto
- 2 jalapeños
- 1/2 onion small
- 1 cilantro small bunch, fresh
- 1 parsley small bunch, fresh
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- goat cheese crumbled, for serving
- brown rice quinoa or other grain for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine the spices in a small bowl and mix well. Toss these with the squash and yogurt. Lay the squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, or until squash is tender.
- To make the pesto, combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until well combined. Add a few drops of water to thin it out if necessary.
- Serve the squash topped with the pesto and goat cheese. Serve with your favorite whole grain for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @skinnyms on Instagram or hashtag it #skinnyms
If you enjoyed this adobo roasted squash, we think you might also like to try our Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash!
Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest for tasty recipes, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.
Do you have a favorite recipe from Skinny Ms.? We’d love to hear about it. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
