Best Apple Cider Glazed Squash Recipes

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APPLE CIDER-GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH FRITTERS



Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash Fritters image

Well, if this dish doesn't scream FALL, then I don't know what does! These crispy fritters are similar to potato latkes, with a sweet and spicy flavor that perfectly complements the rich apple cider glaze on the chicken thighs. It's my idea of a truly comforting meal for a cozy evening at home!

Provided by Carla Hall

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups grated butternut squash, squeezed dry, liquid reserved
1 cup grated apple (preferably tart, like a Granny Smith), squeezed dry, liquid reserved
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 large egg, lightly whisked
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, finely ground
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
Kosher salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

  • For the butternut squash fritters: Place the squash, apple, ginger, egg, breadcrumbs, sage, rosemary, salt and pepper into a large bowl and stir together to combine.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and coat the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. When the oil shimmers, scoop heaping tablespoons of the squash mixture and drop gently into the oil, pressing with the back of the spoon to slightly flatten. Fry in batches until brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with lightly crumpled paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with more salt before serving. Makes about 2 dozen fritters.
  • For the apple cider-glazed chicken thighs: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs on each side with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, then cook in batches on each side until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the onions and 2 sprigs of thyme to the pan. Season with salt, add a little water, and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet until the onions are golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the apple cider, vinegar and the reserved liquid from squeezing out the squash and apple. Simmer until reduced, 5 minutes.
  • Remove the thyme leaves from the remaining 2 sprigs of thyme, then finely chop the thyme, parsley, and tarragon. Set aside.
  • Whisk the butter into the reduced sauce, then add the chicken thighs back to the pan to warm through for 2 or 3 minutes, coating with the glaze and sprinkling with the fresh herbs. Check that the thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, then serve with the Butternut Squash Fritters.

APPLE CIDER-GLAZED SQUASH



Apple Cider-Glazed Squash image

Reducing apple cider to a sweet syrup produces a glaze that tastes like the essence of autumn. This simple glazing method is an excellent way to prepare a wide range of squash varieties, from everyday acorn to large, meaty banana. As a variation, substitute orange juice for apple cider and 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin for cinnamon. I found this recipe in Cooking Club magazine. I have not tried this recipe, but I'm posting it for safe keeping.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2-3 lbs acorn squash, buttercup squash, carnival squash, sweet dumpling squash, calabaza squash, turban squash, banana squ or 2 1/2-3 lbs hubbard squash
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400. If using smaller squash (acorn, buttercup, carnival, or sweet dumpling), cut into quarters. If using larger squash, cut into 4x5-inch wedges. Scoop out seeds. With paring knife, score flesh 1/4-inch deep in crisscross pattern.
  • Place squash, skin-side down, in 13x9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Pour water into baking dish. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, bring cider to a boil in small skillet over medium heat. Cook 15-25 minutes or until syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, adjusting heat as necessary. (Monitor carefully, especially towards the end, to prevent scorching). Remove from heat. Stir in butter, cinnamon and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Blot any liquid in cavities of squash with paper towel. Brush squash with about half of the reduced cider mixture. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes or until glaze is set. Brush with remaining reduced cider mixture. Slice in half lengthwise. Serve in shells. Or, if desired, scoop out flesh; place in medium bowl. Mash with potato masher.

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Apple cider glazed squash recipes are a delicious and healthy way to incorporate the fall season’s favorite vegetable – squash – into your diet! With its nutty flavor and robust texture, squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. When glazed with apple cider, this otherwise plain vegetable gets a delicious makeover!

Benefits of Squash

Squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. It is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium, making it an excellent choice for maintaining overall health. Squash is also a good source of antioxidants, which are compounds that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Benefits of Apple Cider

Apple cider is a popular beverage during the fall season, and for good reason! It is made by pressing fresh apples, which are then fermented to form apple cider. Unlike regular apple juice, apple cider contains natural sugars and vinegar, making it a healthier option. Apple cider is rich in antioxidants, and its natural sweetness adds a depth of flavor to the glazed squash recipes.

Glazed Squash Recipes

Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Squash
To make this glazed squash recipe, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut a medium-sized squash, such as acorn or butternut, into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the squash pieces and toss them until coated. Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
Maple and Apple Cider Glazed Squash
For this recipe, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and cube a medium-sized squash, such as kabocha or delicata. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the squash pieces and toss them until coated. Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until caramelized.
Ginger and Apple Cider Glazed Squash
To make this recipe, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut a medium-sized squash, such as spaghetti or hubbard, into 1-inch slices. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the squash pieces and toss them until coated. Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the slices are tender.

Conclusion

In summary, apple cider glazed squash recipes are a delicious and healthy way to add a new twist to your fall recipes. With its natural sweetness and the depth of flavor that apple cider adds to the squash, these recipes will become a staple on your dinner table. So, try out these recipes and take advantage of the health benefits that squash and apple cider provide.
Fall is the perfect time to indulge in a delicious and hearty meal that makes use of seasonal produce. Apple cider glazed squash recipes offer the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, the following tips will help you make the perfect apple cider glazed squash.

Choosing the Squash

When making apple cider glazed squash, the type of squash you choose can make all the difference. Butternut squash and acorn squash are the most commonly used squash for this recipe. Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of the apple cider glaze. Acorn squash, on the other hand, has a slightly milder flavor, making it a great option for those who prefer a less sweet dish. When choosing squash, make sure to select ones that are firm and free of any blemishes or soft spots.

Preparing the Squash

Before cooking your squash, it's important to prepare it properly. Start by washing the outside of the squash and patting it dry. If using butternut squash, peel it with a vegetable peeler and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. For acorn squash, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Once the seeds have been removed, cut the squash into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Seasoning the Squash

To bring out the best flavors in your squash, it's important to season it well. A simple salt and pepper seasoning is always a good place to start. For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can also be used for a sweet and spicy kick. When seasoning your squash, be sure to toss it well to ensure that every piece is coated evenly.

The Glaze

The apple cider glaze is what makes this dish truly special. To make the perfect glaze, start by heating apple cider and brown sugar in a pot over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook the glaze until it thickens and becomes syrupy in consistency. Be sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from burning.

Applying the Glaze

When it comes time to apply the glaze to your squash, use a pastry brush to coat each piece evenly. Make sure the glaze covers every surface of the squash to ensure maximum flavor. If you have any leftover glaze, reserve it for serving alongside the finished dish. Once the glaze has been applied, arrange the squash pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until tender and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

Apple cider glazed squash pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty and satisfying dinner. It also pairs well with roasted pork loin or turkey for a festive holiday meal. For a vegetarian option, serve the glazed squash over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Making apple cider glazed squash might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tips and techniques, it's a breeze to prepare. Remember to choose the right squash, prepare it properly, season it well, and apply the glaze evenly for a dish that's bursting with flavor. With these tips in mind, you're sure to create a delicious apple cider glazed squash that everyone is sure to love.

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