Herby Acorn Squash with Brazil Nut and Miso Crust: A Nourishing, Flavorful Dish to Expand Your Pantry – and Your Palate

This Herby Acorn Squash recipe combines comforting fall flavors with an adventurous twist, encouraging you perhaps, to try a new ingredient: miso paste. Experimenting with new foods like miso opens windows and doors to delicious, nourishing dishes that enrich your palate, your perspective and even your wellness journey. This recipe is a perfect example of how trying something new can be a fun and rewarding way to embrace a variety of flavors and nutrients. Plus, miso is just like one of the best flavors out there. If you don’t believe me, well then you really do need to try this recipe! 

What is Miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese ingredient made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji (a type of fungus; which, remember, is just a mushroom). This process creates a thick paste with a savory, umami flavor that’s both complex and slightly salty. Commonly used in Japanese cuisine, miso is often added to soups, sauces, dressings, and marinades to enhance flavor and depth. In this recipe, miso adds a hint (okay – maybe a hint and a half) of umami to the crust topping, giving the dish a rich and satisfying flavor. 

Nutritional Benefits of Acorn Squash and Brazil Nuts

Acorn Squash is packed with nutrients, especially fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Its high fiber content aids in digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, while vitamin C boosts immunity and collagen production, benefiting skin health. Potassium supports heart health and muscle function, making acorn squash an ideal choice for a nutritious, seasonal ingredient.

Brazil Nuts are an incredible source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid function and immune health. They’re also rich in healthy fats and magnesium, which contribute to brain and bone health. A few Brazil nuts a day can provide you with your daily dose of selenium, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Pro tip: all you need is 2 – take them as you would any other capsule supplement. 

Expanding Your Pantry: The Joy of Trying New Ingredients

Adding new ingredients to your pantry, like miso and Brazil nuts, brings excitement and discovery to your cooking. Not to go overboard, but it gives you a little bit of an edge! And if you know me personally, you know I like an edge (or 12). But don’t just do it because I say it’s good and cool. Experimenting with new flavors and foods encourages creativity and keeps meals interesting, while also exposing you to different flavors, nutrients and health benefits. Each ingredient is a unique gift from nature, offering tastes and textures that expand your culinary world and enhance your overall well-being.

This Herby Acorn Squash with Brazil Nut and Miso Crust is a delicious example of how trying new ingredients can elevate simple dishes and make cooking at home a joyful adventure. Let this recipe inspire you to explore your pantry, embrace unfamiliar flavors, and celebrate the endless possibilities in your kitchen!