Winter Squash with Spicy Maple Chestnuts

Around the holidays, cooked, peeled chestnuts show up in jars in specialty shops and some grocery stores, so it’s a good time to stock up. Low in fat, they add a nutty sweetness to this squash dish. Rice vinegar was used here because of its clean, neutral flavor, but you…

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Around the holidays, cooked, peeled chestnuts show up in jars in specialty shops and some grocery stores, so it’s a good time to stock up. Low in fat, they add a nutty sweetness to this squash dish. Rice vinegar was used here because of its clean, neutral flavor, but you could also use cider or red wine vinegar.

Servings
6

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. butternut squash or other winter squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into small wedges
  • 3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
  • 3 Tbs. pure maple syrup
  • 11/2 Tbs. rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 12 oz. jar peeled, cooked chestnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine squash, onion, and 2 Tbs. olive oil in large bowl, and toss to coat. Season vegetables with salt and pepper, if desired, and scatter evenly on baking sheet. Roast vegetables 20 minutes, turning 2 or 3 times with spatula.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining 1 Tbs. oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

3. Place chestnuts in medium bowl, and add 1 Tbs. maple syrup mixture. Toss to coat.

4. Increase oven temperature to 500°F. Scatter chestnuts among squash and onion wedges. Roast vegetables 10 minutes more, or until tender. Transfer vegetable-nut mixture to large serving bowl, drizzle with remaining maple syrup mixture, add chopped chives, and toss to mix.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 278
  • Carbohydrate Content 51 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 8 g
  • Fiber Content 6 g
  • Protein Content 3 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 1 g
  • Sodium Content 202 mg
  • Sugar Content 15 g

Popular on Vegetarian Times