Carnival Squash with Maple Tahini Drizzle
A simple, comforting roasted carnival squash dish topped with a sweet and nutty maple tahini drizzle, perfect for fall gatherings or a wholesome snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium carnival squash (about 2–3 lbs / 900–1350 g), halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup smooth tahini
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the tahini drizzle)
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Allow at least 10 minutes for the oven to fully heat.
- Carefully halve the carnival squash lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon. Do not peel.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush or drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the cut surfaces. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on top.
- Roast the squash in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Check around 35 minutes by piercing the flesh with a fork; it should be soft and tender but not mushy. The edges should be golden-brown and slightly caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, whisk together ¼ cup tahini, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons water until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once the squash is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Spoon or drizzle the maple tahini sauce generously over each half. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped parsley on top.
- Serve warm. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add fresh drizzle if needed.
Notes
If the squash is not soft enough after 45 minutes, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes. Avoid adding too much water to the tahini drizzle; it should be thick enough to cling but smooth enough to drizzle. For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes before halving. The drizzle can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Adjust lemon juice or maple syrup to taste for balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 squash hal
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 4.5
- Protein: 5.5
Keywords: carnival squash, maple tahini drizzle, roasted squash, fall recipe, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, easy side dish