Acorn Squash Tacos Recipes

Steps:

• Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot over medium heat.
• Mix squash, onion, serrano pepper, flour, egg, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
• Drop squash mixture by the spoonful, working in batches, in the hot oil; fry until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer squash fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Fry the corn tortillas in the hot oil until crisp, about 2 minutes per side.
• Layer each tortilla with lettuce, squash fritters, avocado, tomato, and a tablespoon of cotija cheese.

Steps:

• Slice squash in half length-wise. Scoop out seeds, then horizontally cut the fruit into 1/2 inch-thick slices.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then roast at 450 degrees F for about 20 minutes. When cooked and cooled, peel the squash and set aside.
• Over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. (For a vegan version, skip the butter and double the oil).
• Then, saute the onions, red pepper, jalapeño, and garlic until garlic is fragrant and the onions have softened. Add the dry spices, then stir in cooked squash.
• Season to taste, and pile the filling into warmed tortillas. Garnish with cilantro, fresh salsa, tomatoes and sour cream for the dairy-eaters.

Steps:

• Preheat air fryer to 400°. Combine first 6 ingredients. Add squash pieces; toss to coat. In batches, arrange squash in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. , Divide squash evenly among tortillas. Top with queso fresco, avocado and red onion. If desired, serve with pico de gallo.

Steps:

• To make the crema, soak the raw cashews in room-temperature water to cover for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve.
• Toast the cumin in a small, dry, heavy skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Transfer to a spice grinder, let cool, and grind finely.
• In a blender, combine the cashews, cumin, lime juice, water, and salt. Start the blender on the lowest speed and gradually increase to the highest speed. Blend for at least 1 minute, until a creamy consistency. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
• To make the pumpkin seeds, heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pumpkin seeds and sauté for about 2 minutes, taking care that they do not burn. The seeds will begin to puff up and pop. Once they appear toasted, immediately pour them into a bowl. Toss with the cayenne and salt and set aside.
• To make the filling, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute more. Add the squash and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, just until the squash begins to soften. Season with the chile powder and salt.
• Add the kale and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, until it begins to wilt. Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
• Serve with the tortillas, crema, pumpkin seeds, onion, cilantro, and salsa. To assemble each taco, invite guests to spoon about 1/2 cup of the warm filling into a tortilla and top with some crema and pumpkin seeds. If guests want more toppings, they can finish off their tacos with onion, cilantro, and salsa.