Creamiest Winter Squash with Raisins and Sage: A Heartwarming Winter Delight
Winter squash, with its vibrant colors and subtly sweet flavor, is a culinary gift during the colder months. This recipe elevates the humble winter squash to new heights, transforming it into a creamy, comforting dish with the delightful additions of plump raisins and aromatic sage. The sweetness of the squash is beautifully balanced by the savory sage and the bursts of juicy sweetness from the raisins, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
This recipe is perfect as a side dish for a holiday feast, a cozy weeknight dinner, or even a sophisticated vegetarian main course. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is simply divine. Get ready to experience winter squash in a whole new light!
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Creamy Texture:** The secret to the incredible creaminess lies in the roasting and subsequent pureeing of the squash. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and intensifies the flavor, while pureeing creates a luxuriously smooth texture.
* **Flavor Harmony:** The combination of winter squash, sage, and raisins is a classic for a reason. The earthy, slightly peppery notes of sage complement the sweetness of the squash perfectly, while the raisins add pops of juicy sweetness that elevate the dish to another level. A touch of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences. Use different types of winter squash, add other dried fruits or nuts, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its sophisticated flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that is sure to impress.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Winter Squash:** 2 medium winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, or kabocha), about 2-3 pounds total
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, divided
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons
* **Fresh Sage:** 1/4 cup chopped (about 10-12 leaves)
* **Raisins:** 1/2 cup golden or regular raisins
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated (optional)
* **Vegetable Broth or Water:** 1/4 cup (optional, for thinning)
* **Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas):** For garnish (optional)
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)
## Equipment
* Baking Sheet
* Large Knife
* Cutting Board
* Large Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
* Blender or Food Processor (optional, for smoother texture)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Winter Squash**
1. **Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Wash the winter squash thoroughly.** Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut each squash in half lengthwise. If the squash is difficult to cut, microwave it for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly.
3. **Remove the seeds and stringy fibers.** Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibers from the center of each squash half. Discard the seeds or save them for roasting later.
4. **Drizzle with olive oil and season.** Place the squash halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Drizzle each half with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
**Step 2: Roast the Winter Squash**
1. **Roast for 45-60 minutes.** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and the flesh is easily pierced with a fork. The roasting time will vary depending on the size and type of squash.
2. **Check for doneness.** To check for doneness, insert a fork into the flesh of the squash. If the fork slides in easily with little resistance, the squash is ready. If it’s still firm, continue roasting for a few more minutes.
**Step 3: Prepare the Sage and Raisin Mixture**
1. **Melt the butter in a skillet.** While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. **Add the sage and cook.** Add the chopped fresh sage to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sage is fragrant and slightly crispy. Be careful not to burn the sage.
3. **Stir in the raisins.** Add the raisins to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are plumped and softened. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
4. **Remove from heat.** Once the sage and raisins are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
**Step 4: Scoop and Puree the Winter Squash**
1. **Let the squash cool slightly.** Once the roasted squash is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop the flesh from the skin and transfer it to a large bowl.
2. **Puree the squash (optional).** For a smoother, creamier texture, you can puree the squash using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. If using a blender or food processor, work in batches to avoid overloading the machine. Add a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth or water to help with blending, if needed. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can create pressure and cause the lid to pop off.
3. **If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can simply mash the squash with a fork or potato masher.**
**Step 5: Combine and Season**
1. **Add the sage and raisin mixture to the squash.** Pour the sage and raisin mixture over the mashed or pureed squash in the bowl.
2. **Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.** Sprinkle the squash with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preferences.
3. **Stir to combine.** Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. **Add broth or water (optional).** If the squash mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
1. **Serve immediately.** Serve the creamy winter squash with raisins and sage warm as a side dish or vegetarian main course.
2. **Garnish (optional).** Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
## Tips for Success
* **Choose the right squash:** Butternut squash is a popular choice for its sweet and nutty flavor, but acorn squash and kabocha squash also work well. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
* **Roast until tender:** Make sure the squash is fully cooked before scooping out the flesh. It should be easily pierced with a fork.
* **Don’t burn the sage:** Watch the sage carefully as it cooks in the butter. It can burn quickly, which will make the dish taste bitter. Cook it just until it is fragrant and slightly crispy.
* **Adjust the seasonings:** Taste the squash mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg to suit your preferences.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can roast the squash and prepare the sage and raisin mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
* **Reheat gently:** To reheat the squash, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as this can dry it out.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Add Nuts:** For added texture and flavor, try adding toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the squash mixture.
* **Use Different Dried Fruits:** Substitute the raisins with other dried fruits, such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese over the squash before serving for a richer, more savory flavor.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan butter instead of regular butter and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sage and butter mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Add Maple Syrup:** Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the squash for extra sweetness.
## Serving Suggestions
This creamy winter squash with raisins and sage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or beef.
* **Vegetarian Main Course:** Serve it as a vegetarian main course with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
* **Holiday Dish:** Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast as a flavorful and festive side dish.
* **Stuffing Ingredient:** Use it as an ingredient in your stuffing or dressing for added flavor and moisture.
* **Soup Topping:** Top your favorite winter squash soup with a dollop of this creamy mixture.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 15-20mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 2-4g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
This creamy winter squash with raisins and sage is a truly special dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors is simply irresistible, and the creamy texture is incredibly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a satisfying vegetarian main course, or a festive addition to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of winter squash!
Enjoy!