Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash Bowl (Printable version)

Creamy roasted red kuri squash with warming spices, sweet maple, and zesty lime.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Spice & Seasoning

05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - ½ tsp ground cumin
09 - ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
10 - ¾ tsp sea salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Sweet & Tangy

12 - 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

→ Garnishes

14 - ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the red kuri squash and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
04 - Drizzle the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over the partially roasted vegetables, toss gently, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until caramelized and tender.
05 - While the squash roasts, steam or sauté the chopped kale until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa (if using) among four bowls. Top with roasted squash, onions, and wilted kale.
07 - Garnish each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend hits this perfect sweet heat balance that keeps you coming back for just one more bite
  • Everything roasts on one sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum caramelized flavor
  • Red kuri's edible skin means no tedious peeling, just seed and cube, making weeknight cooking feel effortless
02 -
  • The maple syrup goes on midway through roasting, not at the start, or it will burn before the squash is tender
  • Red kuri skin is edible and delicious when roasted, so skip the peeling and save yourself fifteen minutes of frustration
  • Let the vegetables roast undisturbed for that first 25 minutes to develop proper caramelization, resisting the urge to stir too early
03 -
  • Cut your squash into uniform cubes so everything finishes roasting at the same time, avoiding those frustrating half-raw half-burnt pieces
  • Room temperature squash roasts more evenly than cold from the fridge, so take it out thirty minutes before you start prep
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