Oh my goodness – this was one of those recipes that I though would be great in theory, but it turned out way more delicious than I could have ever expected! I’m amazed I even managed to get a picture of this as it was so good I just wanted to house the whole pan in one go…
Delicata Squash is my favourite of all the Fall vegetables – its super high in insulin stabilizing and digestive boosting fibre, is a great source energy boosting and bone building iron and calcium, and contains a ton of immune supporting Vitamin C and skin loving Vitamin A.
Oh, and its delicious! Its super sweet flesh is wonderful for when you want a healthy sweet treat, and whilst I usually use it in savory dishes I’ve given it a dessert style spin for this week’s Meatfree Monday! Mixing cinnamon into the coconut oil helps to bring out the sweetness of the squash whilst helping to regulate blood sugar spikes (essential for a healthy insulin response and to minimize fat storage), and adding just a touch of Himalayan Salt gives it that addictive salty/sweet taste that had earned this dish the moniker ‘crack squash’ in my house!
Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash with Coconut Butter and Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 delicata squash
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (plus 1 teaspoon for the drizzle)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut butter
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the delicata squash (the skin is edible and packed full of nutrients), and slice into rings approximately 1/2 inch thick. Remove the seeds, rinse in a sieve, and pat dry. Place the squash rings in a large bowl.
Melt the 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan, and stir in the cinnamon and salt. Pour this over the squash (holding just a tiny amount back) ensuring every piece is evenly covered. Place the rings on a baking tray. Take the squash seeds and cover these in the coconut and cinnamon mixture and place on the same baking tray – but do not sprinkle yet!
Roast the squash and the seeds for 20 minutes, turning once, or until they are soft and golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
Place the coconut butter and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a double boiler, and melt gently. Pour this over the squash, then sprinkle with the squash seeds and pumpkin seeds. Leave to set in the refrigerator.
If you love this Fall inspired recipe then you will love my Gut Healing Pumpkin Collagen Cookies!
We buy all our clean eating pantry staples (including the cinnamon, himalayan salt, pumpkin seeds and coconut butter from Thrive Market and it has saved us so much money over the last few months! You can get free shipping and 25% off your first order by using the link below. Happy Shopping!