Taco Stuffed Roasted Kabocha

Published on Jan 15, 2021

  by   Kristina Stosek

4 reviews

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Serves: 4
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A casual-style Mexican-inspired TACO STUFFED ROASTED KABOCHA filled with cheesy taco filling without extra carbs and grains. This dish is a healthier version of tacos with exceptional flavor.

Why is taco stuffed roasted kabocha so good?

First, this is a healthier way to enjoy tacos. This gluten free vegetarian dish is hearty and satisfying even for big appetites. And the pumpkin is loaded with so much goodness and flavour. The surprising thing about the recipe is that even novice cooks can master it in minutes.

What is kabocha?

Kabocha, also known as Japanese pumpkin, is a naturally sweet squash lower in calories and carbs than other winter squash varieties. One cup of kabocha has approximately 49 calories and 8 grams of net carbs per cup.

This healthy squash is also packed with beta carotene (Vitamin A), vitamin C, and other essential minerals. Also, the winter squash has 1.8 grams of protein per one cup and is dietary fibre-rich.

 

whole kabocha

Can  you eat the skin of roasted kabocha squash?

This healthy squash looks like a small pumpkin with thick green skin and orange flesh. Kabocha tastes like something in between sweet potato and butternut squash, except a little sweeter. And, you can also eat the skin once it is roasted. 

 

sliced kabocha

How to make  taco filling for roasted kabocha?

To start, the meat is browned with onions. You can use chicken or beef. Once the meat is browned add the spices and garlic. The mix of spices used in the filling are chipotle chilli powder, cumin, oregano, and our personal favourite smoked paprika.

The paprika and chipotle chilli powder add a deep earthy flavour and change a good filling to outstanding one. However, if you don’t have the two spices, use regular paprika and chilli powder.

For spiciness, some crushed red pepper flakes, and some sweeteness and fresh lime juice. Combining sweet and tart accentuates the flavour in the taco filling.

And finally, fresh salsa, sour cream and Mexican cheese to the mix. These three ingredients added creaminess and made everything so much tastier.

 

taco stuffed kabocha

start with roasting the kabocha

Before the kabocha is filled with the flavorful taco filling, the squash is halved and roasted. The gluten-freee taco filling is then added to the roasted kabocha and topped with some more cheese.

Next, the squash is baked for a few more minutes, just long enough to re-heat the filling and melt the cheese.

 

TACO STUFFED KABOCHA

best way to serve taco stuffed kabocha

To serve, we we like to add full-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa and fresh cilantro. You can even add avocado slices. This gluten-free taco dish is super filling, flavourful, and so simple to make. Enjoy!

 

taco stuffed kabocha

 

If you like pumpkin, you will enjoy the cheesy buffalo turkey acorn squash bowls or one of our favorites the healthy Thai red curry with chickpeas and butternut squash.

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Kristina

Dylan, yes, toss the top. The squash should look the same as it shows in the pictures. The sweetener is added with the spices to the ground meat and onions.

Dylan

What do you do with the top of the squash when you cut it in half? Do you just toss that? I see cut with stem flat down, but then what do I do with it? Also, what happens with the sweetener of choice? I see it in the ingredients list but not the instructions? Thanks!!

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