Healthy Recipes Appetizer Chile-Spiced Delicata Squash Crostini Be the first to rate & review! Vinegar and crispy bits of pancetta brighten up the caramelized squash topping on this healthy appetizer. It also has a generous sprinkle of dried chiles. Two to seek out include Urfa, a smoky, mildly hot Turkish chile pepper, and Aleppo, which has moderate heat and a fruity tang. Find them in specialty markets and from online spice purveyors. By Nik Sharma Nik Sharma Nik Sharma is the IACP Award-winning author, photographer, recipe developer and former molecular biologist behind Nik Sharma Cooks, A Brown Table and The Flavor Files newsletter. His work has garnered awards from Saveur, Parade, Better Homes & Gardens and the American Food Journalism Awards. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 18, 2024 Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Leigh Beisch Active Time: 30 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 12 Nutrition Profile: Soy-Free Egg-Free Low-Calorie Jump to Nutrition Facts Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1 ½ pounds delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced ½ cup diced pancetta (2 ounces) 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons dried oregano ½ teaspoon ground pepper 1 tablespoon malt vinegar or Zhenjiang black vinegar 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, such as Urfa or Aleppo 24 slices whole-grain baguette (1/2 inch thick, cut diagonally) 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided 4 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped Directions Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°F. Place squash, pancetta and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, oregano and ground pepper to coat well. Roast on the upper rack, stirring once, until the squash is tender and the pancetta is golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes. Add vinegar and crushed red pepper and toss to combine. Meanwhile, arrange baguette slices on another baking sheet and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake on the lower rack until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Mix ricotta, 3 tablespoons chives and 2 tablespoons Parmesan in a small bowl. Spread on the crostini. Top with the squash mixture, pistachios, the remaining 1 tablespoon chives and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve warm. Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, November 2021 Rate It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 220 Calories 9g Fat 28g Carbs 8g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 12 Serving Size 2 crostini Calories 220 % Daily Value * Total Carbohydrate 28g 10% Dietary Fiber 2g 7% Total Sugars 2g Protein 8g 16% Total Fat 9g 12% Saturated Fat 3g 15% Cholesterol 11mg 4% Vitamin A 420IU 8% Sodium 318mg 14% Potassium 265mg 6% Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate. * Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.) (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.