Pepperoni Pizza Delicata Squash Boats

Delicata squash are also known as sweet potato squash because their taste and texture is quite similar to sweet potatoes. Unlike most other winter squash the skin can be eaten once cooked so it is an easy vegetable to work with- no peeling required and nothing goes to waste. There’s nothing wrong with some real pizza now and then and this swap might be sacrilegious to some but it is a good way to get the flavours of pizza with some extra nutrients. For those trying to eat healthier or cut down on simple carbs there are lots of little swaps that can modify a traditional dish to be lighter in saturated fats, free of refined sugars and flours and richer in complex carbs, fiber, lean protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When it comes to nutrition the little choices and habits do make a difference and making healthier choices when possible does add up. I just kept the toppings simple with pepperoni but any favourite toppings can work. The delicata is sweet and dense so it compliments meat well and it adds some oomph to vegetarian versions. Turkey pepperoni and skim milk mozzarella are lightened up options that do not sacrifice the flavour of traditional pepperoni or the gooey, stringy effect of the cheese. The sauce is important, since it provides a lot of the pizza effect and brings everything else together, so a better quality option (like the brand Rao’s) goes a long way.