Harissa Roasted Acorn Squash makes the perfect side dish! Tender, spicy squash is drizzled with honey after roasting for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy!
What is Harissa Paste?
Before I start gushing about how amazing this roasted acorn squash is, I need to make sure you know about harissa paste!
Harissa paste is a North African chili paste. It’s made up of roasted peppers, tomatoes, spices and herbs. It typically includes coriander, cumin and mint. The paste varies from region to region.
If you’ve cooked Southeast Asian and used a chili paste with garlic, think of it as similar to that.
I love it. It adds so much depth to a recipe and just the right level of heat!
Ingredients to Make Harissa Roasted Acorn Squash:
- Acorn Squash – you can actually use any winter squash or pumpkin here. I’ve used pumpkin and delicata squash and a combination of squashes before.
- Garlic.
- Olive oil.
- Harissa Paste – I use Mina Harissa Paste, but I’ve heard very good things about this tube of Organic Harissa Chili Paste.
- Brown Sugar.
- Honey – (not pictured) to drizzle on at the end.
How to Make this Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe:
Preheat the oven to 400.
In a large bowl, combine the harissa paste, garlic, olive oil, a little salt and pepper, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the cut sides down on the cutting board and slice into 1 inch half rounds, then cut those into thirds or fourths.
Add the squash to the bowl and toss to combine.
Place the squash on a baking sheet and spread it out to a single layer. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes. Drizzle with honey before serving.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Acorn Squash!
I confess that I am most likely to roast vegetables just drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper. While there is nothing wrong with that, they always taste good, sometimes it is worth the tiny bit of effort to step it up a notch.
Seriously, it took maybe 3 extra minutes to whip this up and it was so worth it! I love the sweetness of the squash tempered by the heat of the harissa paste.
This recipe was inspired by a recipe I found in an old Donna Hay magazine. She used pumpkin and delicata squash. Any winter squash will work, though if you use pumpkin or butternut squash, you need to peel them first.
Have some leftover Harissa Paste?
You need to try these recipes using harissa paste:
We make this Harissa and Yogurt Baked Chicken all the time, it’s a family favorite!
It’s also great on these Grilled Beef Skewers!
This Harissa Lamb and Spinach Pizza really ups your pizza game!
You can even use it with an appetizer, like this Bruschetta!
If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you tagged me, you can find me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
Harissa Roasted Squash
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 2 acorn squash skin on cut in wedges
- 2 tablespoons honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400. Place the garlic, harissa, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the squash and toss gently until it is evenly coated.
- Place the garlic, harissa, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Add the squash and toss gently until it is evenly coated.
- Spread out in a single layer and roast for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
The was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2019.
I love everything spicy and with a hint of sweet. This harissa roasted squash looks so delicious and a simple tasty twist to Fall side dish.
Roasted Squash is so good! I just made some this weekend and it’s phenomenal. Super easy to make and so flavorful depending on the seasonings used. This recipe looks so perfect for the entire family!
This Acorn Squash sounds like perfection!! I love the spices and then the sweetness from the honey. Perfect side dish during the fall.
I am absolutely loving this combination of flavors!! Acorn squash is such a perfect veggie side for the fall – I can’t wait to try this recipe!
I love the idea of roasting squash with harissa! That little bit of honey drizzle on top makes things even more delicious. What a fantastic fall side dish!
My fiance loves all things spicy. And I love all things squash. So I can’t wait to make this knowing we both will fall in love with it!
This is a great squash recipe. Spicy, flavorful and easy to make. A great way to give acorn squash a lift.
I’ve been looking for a fun new side dish for Thanksgiving and this is definitely it! I love harissa, and just know this squash will be a hit this year. Can’t wait to try it!
This would be perfect for Thanksgiving!
The harissa pack a lot of heat and the honey sounds like a lovely mix of heat and sweet! Thanks for sharing!
Hot and sweet is one of my favorite flavor combinations!
I love roasted squash as is, adding the harissa sauce takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
I love harissa and adore roasted squash, so this is a perfect side dish for me. I’m going to make my own harissa one day, but for now use a locally made version that is quite tasty (Cava brand in case you can find it.)
I just love this simple and zesty side, and delicata with pumpkin, YUM!
Harissa!!! <3 O one of the greatest condiments!!
This looks so good! I’m loving this! Pinned.It’s always a pleasure to have you be a part of our party. Please take a minute tonight at 7 pm, to party with us! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Yay, more harissa recipes for my Harissa board. I agree, I love that Donna Hay magazine app.
roasted squash is delicious, and that’s that. i like your seasonings!