Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash Bowl (Print version)

Creamy roasted red kuri squash with sweet maple, smoky paprika, and gentle chili heat served over tender kale

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium red kuri squash (about 2 pounds), seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
03 - 2 cups kale, chopped with stems removed
04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, optional for serving

→ Spice and Seasoning

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes
10 - ¾ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sweet and Tangy

12 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Garnishes

14 - ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the red kuri squash and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
04 - Drizzle the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over the partially roasted vegetables, toss gently, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until caramelized and tender.
05 - While the squash roasts, steam or sauté the chopped kale until just wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa if using among four bowls. Top with roasted squash, onions, and wilted kale.
07 - Garnish each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The squash gets impossibly creamy when roasted, with caramelized edges that taste like autumn in every bite.
  • It comes together in under an hour and somehow feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a quiet weeknight.
  • The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors actually makes you feel good about what you're eating.
02 -
  • Don't skip the second roasting step with the maple syrup—that's where the caramelization happens and turns ordinary vegetables into something crave-worthy.
  • If your kale is very thick and tough, blanch it in salted boiling water for one minute first, then sauté—it makes a real difference in texture.
  • The lime squeeze isn't optional—it's the flavor moment that makes people ask for the recipe.
03 -
  • Cube your squash evenly so everything roasts at the same rate—uneven pieces either burn or stay hard.
  • Don't stir the vegetables too often on the first roast; let them sit and develop color, which is where the flavor comes from.
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