Hella Easy Tips & Tricks: Not Sure What To Do with Delicata Squash?

Not Sure What to Do? We Gotchu!

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

A lil sweet, a lil savory, and a whole lotta cozy. 🍎🍂 This fall skillet brings together roasted delicata squash, sweet apples, hearty collards, and creamy white beans for a feel-good meal!

1

2

Ingredients

Delicata:

• 1 Delicata squash (medium size)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp Kosher salt

• Black pepper to taste

  
  

Skillet:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow onion

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 large Fuji apple

• 1 large bunch collard greens

• 1 can (15 oz) white beans,  rinsed & drained

  • Cannellini, Great Northern, or Royal Corona works!

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth (can also use water)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, will compliment apples)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Delicata Squash

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Cut squash lengthways,  scoop out seeds, and sliced into ½-inch half-moons; skin can be left on!

   • Toss sliced delicata half-moons with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin/thyme, salt, and pepper

   • Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet

   • Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown along the edges. Set aside.

2. While the Delicata squash is roasting, prep the onions, garlic, apples and collards

   • Thinly slice the onions

   • Peel and mince garlic

   • Core and dice the apples into ½-inch pieces

   • Remove the collard green stems from leaves and cut into ½-inch pieces

3. Sauté Onions, Garlic & Apples

   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat

   • Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes

   • Stir in garlic and diced Gala apple. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until the apples are slightly tender but still hold their shape.

4. Braise the Collards

   • Add the collard green  to the skillet in handfuls, letting them wilt down slightly.

   • Pour in the broth, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

   • Cover the skillet, turn heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the collards are soft and vibrant.

5. Combine with Beans & Squash

   1. Uncover the skillet and gently fold in the rinsed white beans and the roasted delicata squash

   2. Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes to warm the beans through and allow all the flavors to meld together

6. Finish & Serve

   1. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or salt if needed. Serve hot in shallow bowls.

Make it Hearty! Serve over warm farro, wild rice, or creamy polenta to make it even heartier.

Top with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or crushed walnuts for extra crunch, or a crumble of goat cheese or feta for sharp, creamy contrast. 💫

Want to Try?

Check out the links below for details on how to get hella fresh, hella local food from us!

Emergency Food Aid with Feed Black Futures

In partnership with Feed Black Futures — we provide emergency food relief for 6-8 weeks to families impacted by systemic injustices like land dispossession and carceral violence. Our culturally relevant, nutritious food boxes help address immediate food insecurity, offering support while we work to build long-term, sustainable food systems in Black communities.

To apply for an emergency CSA box or request other forms of food aid, please complete this form.

Mandela CSA

Purchase a produce box full of 7-8 different types of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables grown sustainably by local BIPOC farmers. Our produce box program offers:

• weekly delivery, year-round

• three price tiers for a range of budgets

• one-time purchase and subscription options

Our boxes are all the same, and each feeds a 2+ household.weekly + biweekly! Click here to join our CSA!

Community Produce Stands at the West Oakland Public Library

Every Friday from 1 PM – 3PM, we pop-up at the West Oakland Public Library with our produce stand. All produce is either organic or pesticide-free, and nearly everything is grown within 150 miles of our home in West Oakland. We keep prices as low as possible to make produce accessible to everyone visiting. ​​

Plus: shoppers using CalFresh/EBT can automatically access the discount—no extra steps required.

---

In Community With

StopWaste

A big shout-out to StopWaste for supporting Mandela Partners’ work toward a more sustainable food system!

Through their funding and partnership over the years, we’ve been able to explore sustainable packaging solutions, reduce food waste, and continue building more sustainable practices across our programs.

Thank you for investing in this work and helping us move toward a more sustainable future!

Feed Black Futures

A big shout-out to Feed Black Futures for showing up in community and helping us meet the need for food access!

Through collaboration, shared care, and a commitment to feeding our people, we’ve been able to come together to support our communities with nourishing food.

Thank you for seeing the need, building alongside us, and helping make sure people are fed!