Savory Roasted Butternut Squash: A Flavorful Fall Feast
Butternut squash, with its vibrant orange hue and subtly sweet flavor, is a quintessential ingredient of the fall season. While often relegated to sweet applications like pies and soups, butternut squash truly shines when roasted and seasoned with savory spices. This recipe celebrates the inherent sweetness of the squash while balancing it with earthy herbs, warm spices, and a touch of umami, creating a dish that’s both comforting and complex. Get ready to transform this humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful and Versatile:** This savory roasted butternut squash is bursting with flavor and can be served as a side dish, a vegetarian main course, or even incorporated into salads, grain bowls, and pasta dishes.
* **Easy to Make:** Roasting vegetables is one of the simplest cooking methods, requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum flavor.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The warm spices and comforting flavors of this dish are perfect for cozy autumn evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds):** Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of blemishes.
* **2-3 tablespoons olive oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor, but any cooking oil with a high smoke point will work.
* **1 teaspoon kosher salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the squash and helps it to caramelize.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice.
* **1 teaspoon dried sage:** Sage has an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with butternut squash.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary:** Rosemary adds a piney, aromatic note to the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder provides a savory depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and umami.
* **Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
* **Optional toppings:** Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, balsamic glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large cutting board:** For safely prepping the butternut squash.
* **Sharp knife:** A sturdy chef’s knife or cleaver is recommended for cutting through the tough skin of the squash.
* **Vegetable peeler:** To remove the skin from the squash (optional, but recommended).
* **Large bowl:** To toss the squash with oil and seasonings.
* **Baking sheet:** To roast the squash.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is simple, but the key to perfectly roasted butternut squash lies in proper preparation and roasting technique. Follow these steps for a guaranteed delicious result:
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
* **Wash the squash:** Rinse the butternut squash under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
* **Cut off the ends:** Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top and bottom of the squash, creating a flat surface on each end. This will make it easier to stand the squash upright.
* **Peel the squash (optional):** While the skin of butternut squash is edible, it can be tough and fibrous. For a smoother texture, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. This step is optional, but highly recommended. If you choose to leave the skin on, make sure to scrub the squash thoroughly.
* **Cut the squash in half:** Stand the squash upright on one of the flat ends. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, from top to bottom.
* **Remove the seeds:** Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each squash half. You can save the seeds to roast later for a healthy snack.
* **Cut into cubes:** Place the flat side of each squash half down on the cutting board. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Squash
* **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the squash to caramelize and develop a rich, roasted flavor.
* **Combine the squash and seasonings:** Place the butternut squash cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
* **Add the spices:** Sprinkle the salt, pepper, dried sage, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the squash. Toss again to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Roast the Squash
* **Prepare the baking sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (optional). This will also prevent the squash from sticking to the pan.
* **Spread the squash in a single layer:** Spread the seasoned butternut squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the cubes are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* **Roast the squash:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Flip the squash halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
* **Check for doneness:** The squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork and the edges are slightly browned and caramelized.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
* **Garnish:** Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and any other desired toppings, such as toasted pepitas, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, or balsamic glaze.
* **Serve:** Serve the savory roasted butternut squash immediately as a side dish, a vegetarian main course, or as an ingredient in other dishes.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash
* **Choose the right squash:** Look for a butternut squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of blemishes. A good squash will have a deep orange color and a long neck.
* **Cut the squash safely:** Butternut squash can be difficult to cut. Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. If you’re having trouble, you can microwave the squash for a few minutes to soften it slightly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will prevent the squash from browning properly. Make sure the cubes are spread out in a single layer.
* **Roast at a high temperature:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) will help the squash to caramelize and develop a rich, roasted flavor.
* **Flip the squash halfway through cooking:** Flipping the squash halfway through cooking will ensure even browning on all sides.
* **Don’t overcook the squash:** Overcooked squash will be mushy. The squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork and the edges are slightly browned and caramelized.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** This recipe is a guideline. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations and Additions
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
* **Add other vegetables:** Roast other vegetables along with the butternut squash, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes. Adjust the roasting time as needed depending on the density of the vegetables.
* **Use different herbs and spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other great options include thyme, oregano, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the squash before roasting.
* **Add a savory element:** For a more savory flavor, add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the squash before roasting.
* **Make it spicy:** If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the squash before roasting.
* **Add nuts or seeds:** Toasted nuts or seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. Try adding toasted pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
* **Add cheese:** Crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, or Parmesan cheese add a tangy, salty flavor to the dish.
* **Drizzle with balsamic glaze:** Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Savory roasted butternut squash is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Side dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, pork, or fish.
* **Vegetarian main course:** Serve it as a vegetarian main course with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
* **Salad topping:** Add it to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
* **Grain bowl ingredient:** Incorporate it into grain bowls with other vegetables, legumes, and a flavorful dressing.
* **Pasta dish ingredient:** Add it to pasta dishes for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
* **Soup ingredient:** Puree it and add it to soups for a creamy and nutritious boost.
* **Taco filling:** Use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.
* **Pizza topping:** Add it as a topping to pizza.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time, you can prepare the butternut squash ahead of time. Cut the squash into cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also season the squash with the spices and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting. When you’re ready to roast the squash, simply preheat the oven and follow the roasting instructions.
Storage Instructions
Leftover roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: 200-300 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Fiber: 4-6 grams
* Sugar: 8-12 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams
Butternut squash is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Enjoy!
This savory roasted butternut squash recipe is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With its simple preparation and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of perfectly roasted butternut squash!