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Crispy Maple Tahini Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

crispy maple tahini roasted delicata squash rings - featured image

These crispy maple tahini roasted delicata squash rings are a quick and easy side dish that delivers an audible crunch. With a nutty-sweet glaze and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • ⅓ cup tahini, well-stirred
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 23 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for finishing
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly. Trim off the very ends (about ¼ inch from each tip). Cut the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Use a small spoon or your finger to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each ring.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Whisk until smooth. The mixture should be the consistency of heavy cream. If it’s too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of water, one teaspoon at a time.
  4. Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each ring generously with the tahini mixture. Make sure the rings aren’t touching each other.
  5. Roast for 12 minutes. The edges should start to brown and the tahini coating should look matte and set.
  6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use a spatula to carefully flip each ring. Brush the tops with the remaining tahini mixture.
  7. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of maple syrup evenly over the rings.
  8. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for another 8-10 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and the tahini coating looks crackly and set. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the rings rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if using, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the parchment paper—it prevents sticking. Cut rings evenly for uniform cooking. Adjust tahini consistency with water as needed. Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary. Let rings rest for 2 minutes after roasting to set the coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, roasted squash, maple tahini, crispy squash rings, fall side dish, vegan, gluten-free