Acorn Squash with Chickpeas and Chimichurri
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
40 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
4 as a main, 8 as a side
-
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Acorn Squash with Chickpeas and Chimichurri
Description
Acorn Squash with Chickpeas and Chimichurri begins with roasting quartered acorn squash drizzled in olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper until tender and browned. The chimichurri is prepared separately by grinding roasted pumpkin seeds and mixing them with red pepper flakes, garlic, cilantro, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, yielding a textured, flavorful herb sauce.
The chickpeas are cooked with onions, garlic, ground cumin, and cinnamon, adding a warm spiced note. Simmered briefly in vegetable broth and finished with lemon juice and chopped cilantro, the chickpeas become a fragrant and savory complement to the sweet roasted squash.
Serving the roasted squash topped with the chickpea mixture and a spoonful of the chimichurri creates a well-balanced dish featuring contrasting textures and bright flavors. The optional lemon yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy element if used, enhancing the overall experience.
For a more pronounced flavor, using salted roasted pepitas in the chimichurri is advised, or add salt if using raw pumpkin seeds as noted.
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash seeded and quartered lengthwise
- extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling, Simply Nature Organic
- salt sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
Chimichurri (makes extra)
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds plus more for garnish* (see note, Southern Grove Pepitas, roasted with salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic minced, small clove
- ½ cup cilantro plus more for garnish, finely chopped
- black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil Simply Nature Organic
- ¼ teaspoon maple syrup Specially Selected 100% pure
Chickpeas
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil Simply Nature Organic
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin Simply Nature Organic
- Pinch ground cinnamon Simply Nature Organic
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas drained and rinsed, Dakota’s Pride
- ⅓ cup vegetable broth Simply Nature Organic
- salt sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice fresh
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
Lemon Yogurt (optional)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt Friendly Farms Plain
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil Simply Nature Organic
- ¼ teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, cut side up, for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender and browned around the edges.
- Make the chimichurri: Place the pepitas in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in the red pepper flakes, garlic, cilantro, and several grinds of pepper. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and maple syrup and stir until combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the chickpeas: Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook until soft, 5 to 8 minutes, until browned, turning down the heat as needed. Turn the heat to low and add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and chickpeas. Stir to coat, then add the broth, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the mixture to thicken slightly. Stir in the cilantro just before assembling the dish.
- Make the lemon yogurt: In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Place the squash quarters on a platter and top with the chickpeas and chimichurri. Garnish with cilantro and pepitas and top with the lemon yogurt.
Notes
- When using raw pumpkin seeds in the chimichurri, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to enhance the flavor.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
