Pineapple Squash
Pineapple Squash Recipe with Cinnamon and Margarine
Introduction
Pineapple squash is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the earthy flavor of acorn squash. This recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying side dish or even a light main course.
History
The combination of pineapple and squash is a popular dish in many cultures around the world. Pineapple is known for its sweet and tangy flavor, while squash adds a hearty and filling element to the dish. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut each squash in half and discard the seeds and pulp. If necessary, trim the tip off the bottom so that each squash cup stands upright. Fill each squash cup with 0.25 cup of pineapple, 0.25 tsp of margarine, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Place the squash in a flat baking dish and pour hot water around the bottoms of the squash to a depth of 0.5 inch. Cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour or until the squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Food exchange per serving: 1 starch exchange + 1 fruit exchange. This recipe is excellent for low-sodium diets. Calories: 148; Carbohydrates: 34g; Protein: 2g; Fat: 2g; Sodium: 31mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg
Variations
- For a sweeter version of this dish, try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to add a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When preparing this dish, be sure to choose ripe and sweet pineapples for the best flavor. Additionally, make sure to trim the bottom of the squash so that it stands upright in the baking dish. Covering the dish tightly with foil while baking will help the squash cook evenly and retain its moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pineapple squash as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa for a more filling option.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the squash in the oven helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the pineapple and squash, creating a caramelized and flavorful dish. Be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have acorn squash on hand, you can use butternut squash or sweet potatoes as a substitute. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the squash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for added crunch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pineapple squash pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, pork, or tofu. It also goes well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the squash in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of pineapple squash contains 148 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying dish that won't weigh you down.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of pineapple squash contains 34g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.
Fats
This dish contains 2g of fat per serving. The fat content in this recipe comes primarily from the margarine used to cook the squash, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Proteins
With 2g of protein per serving, this dish provides a moderate amount of protein to help support muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals
Pineapple squash is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to check the label if you have a dairy allergy or intolerance.
Summary
Pineapple squash is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for any meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a well-rounded option for those looking to eat well.
Summary
Pineapple squash is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a healthy and satisfying option for a light meal or side dish. Try making this recipe for your next meal and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple squash.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Pineapple Squash. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I inherited from my own grandmother, passed down through the generations. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the instructions for the Pineapple Squash were clear and enticing. I knew I had to give it a try.
I remember the first time I made Pineapple Squash. I was a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always willing to share her knowledge and recipes with me. As we stood side by side in the kitchen, she showed me how to peel and chop the fresh pineapple, how to simmer it with sugar and spices until it was sweet and fragrant.
The scent of the simmering pineapple filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as my grandmother stirred the mixture, her hands moving with practiced ease. She added a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, then poured the hot liquid into sterilized jars to cool. The jars sealed with a satisfying pop, and I knew that I had just learned a valuable lesson in the art of preserving.
Over the years, I made Pineapple Squash many times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I added a hint of ginger for a spicy kick, other times I threw in a handful of fresh mint for a refreshing twist. No matter how I tweaked the recipe, the end result was always the same - a bright and tangy preserve that captured the essence of summer in a jar.
I shared my Pineapple Squash with friends and family, gifting jars to neighbors and bringing them as hostess gifts to parties. Each time I handed over a jar, I felt a sense of pride in my cooking skills and the knowledge that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me.
As the years went by, I continued to experiment with different recipes and techniques, always seeking out new flavors and ingredients to incorporate into my cooking. I learned how to make jams and jellies, pickles and chutneys, each one a testament to the culinary wisdom that had been imparted to me by my grandmother.
One day, I received a call from a friend who had tasted my Pineapple Squash and wanted to know if I would be willing to share the recipe. I was flattered by her request and invited her over to my kitchen so that I could show her how to make it herself.
As we stood side by side in front of the stove, I walked her through the steps of making Pineapple Squash, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. I watched as her eyes lit up with excitement, her hands moving with a newfound confidence as she stirred the mixture and poured it into jars.
When the Pineapple Squash was finished, I handed her a jar to take home with her, a small token of the knowledge that I had passed on to her. As she left my kitchen, I knew that she would carry on the tradition of making Pineapple Squash, just as I had done before her.
And so, the recipe for Pineapple Squash continues to be passed down through the generations, a symbol of the love and care that goes into every jar. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that my grandmother shared with me, and I hope to continue to share them with others for years to come. For me, cooking is not just a way to nourish the body - it is a way to nourish the soul, connecting us to our past and to each other in a way that is truly meaningful.
Categories
| Acorn Squash Recipes | Acorn Squash Side Dish Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Squash Recipes |