What to make with Acorn Squash & Chorizo

Why they work together

Acorn squash's sweet, mellow flesh is a natural foil for chorizo's heavy paprika spice and rendered, garlicky fat -- the squash softens and tempers the chorizo's heat while soaking up its orange-red color and oil. The pairing works the same way sweet root vegetables and chorizo always do in Spanish and Mexican cooking: a bland, starchy base against a boldly seasoned, fatty meat.

How to combine them

Brown the chorizo first in its own fat and set it aside, then roast or sauté cubed squash in that same rendered, paprika-tinted fat so it takes on the color and spice. Stir the browned chorizo back in near the end of cooking so it stays distinct rather than dissolving into the squash.

Classic dishes featuring both

American

Roasted acorn squash and chorizo hash — Diced roasted squash and browned chorizo are tossed together for a hearty breakfast hash.
Chorizo-stuffed acorn squash halves — Roasted squash halves are filled with a savory chorizo and breadcrumb stuffing.

Mexican

Stuffed acorn squash with chorizo and rice — Halved squash is baked and filled with a mixture of browned chorizo and rice.
Chorizo and squash tacos — Roasted squash and browned chorizo are tucked into tortillas with onion and cilantro.
Acorn squash, chorizo, and black bean skillet — Cubed squash, browned chorizo, and black beans are sautéed together in one pan.

Spanish

Calabaza con chorizo — Cubed squash and sliced chorizo are stewed together in a paprika-tinted broth.
Acorn squash and chorizo soup — Pureed squash forms a soup base that's topped with crisped, browned chorizo.
Calabaza con chorizo tapas-style sauté — Small cubes of squash and chorizo are pan-fried together as a tapas plate.

Take it further

Chorizo and squash empanadas — Fold browned chorizo and roasted squash into empanada dough and bake or fry, instead of stuffing the mixture back into a squash shell.
Charred grilled squash with chorizo — Grill squash wedges directly over flame until charred and smoky, then top with browned chorizo, trading the oven's even heat for a smokier, blistered result.
Chorizo and squash egg skillet — Fold in a fried egg and serve the squash-and-chorizo mixture straight from the pan, shifting the dish from a dinner side to a morning plate.
Chorizo and squash gratin — Layer sliced squash with browned chorizo and cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbling, instead of stewing or pan-frying the two together.
Chorizo and squash grain bowl — Pile roasted squash and browned chorizo over grains with a light dressing for a packable lunch bowl instead of a hot dinner plate.

Common additions

Smoked Paprika — A pinch reinforces the chorizo's own paprika if it's a milder or fresh variety.
Black Beans — Stirred in for added heartiness and a creamy textural contrast to the chorizo.
Queso Fresco — Crumbled on top for a cooling, salty contrast to the spiced chorizo.