Cinnamon Squash Rings

Cinnamon Squash Rings Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cinnamon Squash Rings are a delicious and unique side dish that is perfect for the fall season. The combination of sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of acorn squash. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or holiday gathering.

History

Cinnamon Squash Rings have been a popular dish in American households for many years. The recipe is a modern twist on traditional roasted squash, adding a sweet and spicy flavor profile that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

2 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 egg
0.75 cup soft bread crumbs
0.25 cup yellow or white cornmeal
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 large acorn squash, cut crosswise into 0.5 inch slices and seeded
0.33 cup melted butter

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, milk, and egg.
In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, cornmeal, and cinnamon.
Dip squash slices into the egg mixture, then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Repeat this process once more.
Place the coated squash slices in an ungreased 13 x 9 inches baking pan.
Drizzle the squash slices with butter.
Bake the squash uncovered until tender, approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

For a sweeter twist on this recipe, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the squash before baking. You can also experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Cinnamon Squash Rings turn out perfectly every time, be sure to slice the squash into uniform 0.5 inch slices. This will help the squash cook evenly and prevent any pieces from becoming overcooked. Additionally, be sure to coat the squash slices thoroughly in the egg and bread crumb mixture to ensure a crispy and flavorful coating.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Squash Rings are best served hot out of the oven as a side dish to roasted chicken or pork. They also pair well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to perfectly cooked Cinnamon Squash Rings is to bake them at a high temperature (400°F) until they are tender. Be sure to check on the squash periodically to prevent them from becoming overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have acorn squash on hand, you can also use butternut squash or sweet potatoes in this recipe. Additionally, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk to make this recipe dairy-free.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bread crumb mixture and egg mixture ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook the squash, simply dip the slices in the egg mixture, coat with the bread crumbs, and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Cinnamon Squash Rings look even more appetizing, try arranging them in a circular pattern on a serving platter. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cinnamon Squash Rings pair well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled salmon. They also go well with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cinnamon Squash Rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the squash slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cinnamon Squash Rings contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie side dish option that is perfect for those looking to watch their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cinnamon Squash Rings contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a great side dish option for those looking to add some healthy carbs to their meal.

Fats

Each serving of Cinnamon Squash Rings contains approximately 15 grams of fat. While this may seem high, the majority of the fat comes from the healthy fats found in the butter used to coat the squash.

Proteins

Each serving of Cinnamon Squash Rings contains approximately 5 grams of protein. While this may not be a significant source of protein, it can still help contribute to your daily protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Cinnamon Squash Rings are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can help support a strong immune system.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and butter) and gluten (bread crumbs). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Cinnamon Squash Rings are a nutritious and delicious side dish option that is perfect for the fall season. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Summary

Cinnamon Squash Rings are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for the fall season. With a crispy bread crumb coating and a sweet cinnamon flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making this recipe for your next dinner party or holiday gathering for a unique and flavorful side dish that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning fiery shades of orange and red, and the air was filled with the faint scent of cinnamon. I was walking through the bustling farmers market in town, my basket filled with fresh vegetables and fruits, when I stumbled upon a stall selling an array of squash varieties.

As I perused the different types of squash, my eyes landed on a particularly unique one - delicata squash. Its elongated shape and cream-colored skin with vibrant green stripes caught my attention immediately. I struck up a conversation with the farmer selling them, asking him how he liked to cook them.

He smiled warmly and told me about a recipe for Cinnamon Squash Rings that had been passed down through generations in his family. He described how the delicata squash was sliced into rings, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, and baked until tender and caramelized. The sweet and savory flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and delicious.

I knew I had to try it for myself. I purchased a few delicata squash from the farmer and hurried home, eager to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen. As I sliced the squash into rings and sprinkled them with cinnamon and sugar, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I could hardly wait for them to finish baking so I could taste the final result.

When the Cinnamon Squash Rings emerged from the oven, they were golden brown and glistening with a sticky cinnamon glaze. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a place of warmth and comfort. The flavors were rich and complex, with the natural sweetness of the squash enhanced by the warm spice of the cinnamon.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and it was an instant hit. My children gobbled up the Cinnamon Squash Rings with gusto, asking for seconds and thirds. My husband declared it one of the best vegetable dishes he had ever tasted.

From that day on, Cinnamon Squash Rings became a staple in our household. I made them for every special occasion, from Thanksgiving dinners to birthday celebrations. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this delicious dish far and wide.

Over the years, I have made some modifications to the original recipe, adding a touch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of brown sugar to enhance the flavors even more. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a simple yet elegant preparation that highlights the natural beauty of the delicata squash.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter at the farmers market that day. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.

And so, I continue to make Cinnamon Squash Rings with love and care, knowing that each bite carries with it a piece of my heart and soul. It is a dish that speaks to the warmth and comfort of home, a reminder of the simple joys that can be found in the kitchen.

And as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that it will bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. For in the sharing of food and recipes, we create a legacy that transcends time and space, connecting us to our past and our future in a way that is truly magical.