Acorn Squash Patties

Fall is HERE! At least I think it is, but its 70 degrees out, so it is somewhat of a tease.  Regardless, fall flavors are here and probably being splashed across all social media outlets currently.  But we get it, pumpkin IS delicious, but lets not forget about all the other amazing gourds and squashes, they must be shown equal love since they are equally delicious!  One in particular that I enjoy is the acorn squash.  With a naturally sweet flavor it goes well with brown sugar on top, but I was born to be different so I did not do that with my acorn squash.  Oh no, I went Mexican with it.

Back story: one time I went to this restaurant in Newburyport called the Grog, and they had this sweet potato black bean burrito thing that my cousin would always get and although it sounds bizarre, it was really good. After tasting the acorn squash I though “hm, lets turn this into something Mexican-y” and that I did.  These patties were easy (especially if you have a food processor) but also full of flavor and are a fun way to trick someone into eating more veggies!

Ingredients:

• acorn squash
• 1 egg
• 1-2 cups mashed potato flakes (plain)
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• salt and pepper

How to:

1. Begin by roasting your acorn squash.  I left it whole at 350 for an hour, and then cut it in half, added some salt and pepper, and cooked for another 20 minutes. (you can also microwave it and cut some of the cook time)
2. Once your acorn squash is cooked and tender (also cooled so you don’t burn your fingers) remove the seeds, and scoop the meat into a separate bowl momentarily
3. In your food processor chop your onion and pepper, then add the acorn meat and pulse until combined.
4. Now add your spices and pulse for a few more seconds so fully combined
5. Then in another bowl mix your acorn squash mix with one raw egg, and combine
6. Slowly start adding in your mashed potato flakes, this is the binder of your mixture.  Continue to add flakes until the mixture looks slightly more dry and although still slightly sticky, can form into patties and stay together.
7. Then cover a baking sheet with cooking spray and put your patties on them
8. Cook for 20-30 minutes at 350, flipping halfway through cooking
9. I ate them with some beans, avocado, lettuce, and hot sauce.  They were great!