This hearty, colorful dish is everything you want in a fall or winter meal. It's wholesome, satisfying and absolutely stunning on the table. Roasted delicata squash is nestled over a bed of black lentils and forbidden rice, then topped with crispy chickpeas, a light maple-lemon dressing and a drizzle of tahini and date syrup.

Maple roasted delicata squash rings served with forbidden rice, crispy chickpeas, arugula and lentils in a white serving bowl.

This vibrant dish was inspired by a recent trip to New York City where I attended a catered event. The menu featured a stunning delicata squash and black lentil dish and I knew immediately I had to create my own version for the blog. This completely plant-based entrée is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner yet special enough for the holidays.

Around the holidays, people often tell me they struggle with what to make for their vegan friends (or themselves!). This dish solves that problem. It's hearty, wholesome and filled with festive color and flavor. Plus, it can be served family-style so everyone can scoop out what they want.

A Stunning, Seasonal Centerpiece

At first glance, this dish gives major "stuffed squash" vibes, but there's no actual stuffing involved. Instead, caramelized maple-roasted delicata squash rings are placed on top of black lentils and forbidden rice, creating the illusion of a stuffed squash. The presentation is gorgeous - golden roasted delicata squash against a deep purple-black base - but the process is refreshingly simple.

You can easily swap in other winter squashes if delicata isn't available. Kabocha squash or maple roasted butternut squash both work beautifully as well! The idea is to showcase the natural sweetness and caramelization of roasted squash while pairing it with earthy lentils, nutty rice and crispy chickpeas for contrast.

Ingredients

This recipe is made up of five base components:

1. Roasted delicata squash (or other winter squash).

Delicata squash rings on a cutting board prior to removing the seeds next to a sharp knife.

Using a spoon to scoop out the seeds from a delicata squash ring over a cutting board.

2. Forbidden rice: This forms half of the hearty base for this dish. It has a chewy, texture, slightly nutty flavor and a beautiful puplish hue once cooked. It's also rich in antioxidants, fiber and plant-based protein.

Forbidden rice and water in separate bowls with a white marble background.

Forbidden rice cooking in water in a sauce pan with a white marble background.

3. Black lentils: I love how their dark color blends seamlessly with the rice for a cohesive look. You can use canned or cook them from scratch. Brown lentils are also fine but black lentils are especially striking here and I like their texture and size best.

Black lentils in a strainer being rinsed with water in a sink.

Black lentils cooking in water in a sauce pan with a white marble background.

4. Crispy chickpeas: These are for crunch and contrast plus added plant-based protein. I recommend making these fresh just before serving.

Chickpeas on a dish towel next to chickpea skins and seasonings.

Chickpeas in a cast iron skillet with a hand pouring oil overtop from a small white bowl.

5. The dressing: It's light, subtly amazing and super flavorful. Plus, you can prep it ahead. I like to dress just before serving for best flavor because the rice will absorb it.

Maple lemon dressing ingredients in a small glass bowl with a white marble background.

Using a spoon to whisk dressing ingredients in a small glass bowl.

Putting It All Together

Once your components are ready, simply layer them together.

1. Start with your lentils and rice, side by side in a large serving dish.

A bed of forbidden rice and cooked lentils on a large white serving plate.

2. Pour the maple-lemon dressing evenly over the top.

Pouring dressing overtop lentils and forbidden rice in a white serving plate.

Using two spoons to mix black lentils and forbidden rice with dressing in a white serving plate.

3. Nestle the roasted squash rings on top.

Delicata squash rings nestled in a bed of black lentils and forbidden rice in a white serving plate.

4. Add the crispy chickpeas for crunch.

Delicata squash rings nestled in a bed of black lentils and forbidden rice in a white serving plate with crispy chickpeas overtop.

6. Top with microgreens for color and freshness. I love using chopped arugula here for a spicy pop of flavor!

Delicata squash rings and crispy chickpeas nestled in a bed of black lentils and forbidden rice topped with chopped arugula in a white serving plate.

5. Optional: Drizzle generously with tahini and date syrup. You can also add pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries (or chopped dates) and vegan goat cheese or vegan feta cheese to make it extra festive for the holidays. These added elements make this dish a real show-stopper.

A spoon drizzling tahini over the maple roasted delicata squash rings dish.

A spoon drizzling date syrup over the maple roasted delicata squash rings dish.

Recipe Tip

For the most efficient prep, roast the squash and chickpeas at the same time if you have two ovens (or prepare them in advance). While those roast, cook the rice and lentils on the stovetop and whisk together the dressing. By the time the squash is caramelized and the chickpeas are golden and crispy, you'll be ready to assemble. This makes the whole dish come together seamlessly in under an hour.

This dish checks every box: it's high in protein, full of fiber, packed with antioxidants and brimming with seasonal produce. It's also incredibly flexible... you can swap the grain (try quinoa, farro or wild rice) or even use roasted sweet potatoes in place of squash.

Best of all, it's holiday-friendly! You can make most of the components in advance, then assemble and add the crispy chickpeas just before serving. It's delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any cozy fall meal.

Maple roasted delicata squash rings and crispy chickpeas with lentils and forbidden rice topped with arugula, pomegranate seeds and vegan goat cheese on a white serving platter.

Simple ingredients, bold flavors and an elegant presentation. It's everything I love about plant-based cooking! Enjoy!

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash over Black Rice & Lentils

A Stunning, Seasonal Centerpiece

Ingredients

Putting It All Together

Recipe Tip