Roasted Butternut Squash

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Introduction

Roasted butternut squash is a delightful and nutritious dish excellent for warming up on a chilly autumn day or serving as a delicious side to your favorite meals. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, bringing out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of butternut squash while complementing it with fragrant seasonings. Perfectly tender with a golden caramelized edge, this roasted butternut squash recipe is the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Butternut squash

1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

Olive oil

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Paprika

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Salt

1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste

Black pepper

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste

Fresh herbs (optional)

1 tablespoon of chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Prep Time

Prep time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes. The squash requires peeling, seeding, and cubing into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The overall cook time for roasted butternut squash is around 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C), giving a total time of 40 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about four servings, making it perfect for a small gathering or a family dinner.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut off the top and bottom ends, then halve it lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon. Dice the squash into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces, for consistent roasting.

Step 3: Season the Squash

Put the cubed squash into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle it with olive oil to coat evenly. Add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or thyme). Toss the squash thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.

Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned squash cubes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure the cubes are not too crowded to allow even roasting and caramelization.

Step 5: Roast the Butternut Squash

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven and flip the squash cubes using a spatula to ensure even cooking. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the squash is golden brown and fork-tender.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving dish. Serve warm as a side dish or use it as a topping for salads, soups, or grain bowls.

Notes

Note 1: Selecting the Squash

Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, blemish-free skin. This ensures it is fresh and has the best flavor.

Note 2: Seasoning Variations

Customize the seasoning according to your taste. Sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg add a warm, aromatic flavor. Savory options like smoked paprika or cumin create a more robust taste.

Note 3: Storage

Store leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or microwave before serving.

Note 4: Freezing Option

Allow the roasted squash to cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven.

Note 5: Ensuring Even Roasting

Ensure the squash cubes are cut to similar sizes and spaced out on the baking sheet to promote even roasting and prevent steaming. Use multiple baking sheets if necessary.

Cook techniques

Peeling the Butternut Squash

To peel the butternut squash, use a sharp vegetable peeler. Start from the top of the squash and work your way towards the bottom, removing all the skin.

Cutting the Squash

After peeling, slice off both the top and bottom ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise to expose the seeds. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy bits for a cleaner preparation.

Dicing into Even Cubes

Once the squash is halved and cleaned, lay each section flat on the cutting board. Cut into strips and then dice into even cubes to ensure consistent cooking.

Seasoning Before Roasting

Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Ensure they are evenly coated for uniform flavor.

Roasting Technique

Preheat the oven and spread the seasoned squash cubes on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway for even roasting.

FAQ

Can I leave the skin on the butternut squash?

Yes, the skin is edible. However, removing it ensures a smoother texture, especially useful for certain recipes.

What temperature should I roast butternut squash at?

Roast at around 400°F (200°C) for best results. It ensures a tender inside and a slight caramelization on the outside.

How do I know when the squash is done?

The squash should be tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork and have some golden-brown edges.

Can I use frozen butternut squash cubes?

Yes, but frozen squash may release additional moisture during cooking. Adjust roasting time and temperature to ensure proper caramelization.

What seasonings pair well with roasted butternut squash?

Common choices include cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a mix of dried herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

How do I store leftover roasted butternut squash?

Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can roasted butternut squash be reheated?

Yes, reheat by placing it in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Roasted butternut squash is a versatile, delicious, and nutrient-rich dish that can elevate any meal. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it suitable for various combinations, and it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your cooking. Whether served as a side or the star of the plate, this recipe is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy butternut squash.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Toss roasted butternut squash with pasta, olive oil, fresh sage, and a touch of Parmesan for a savory dish.

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Mash the roasted squash and season it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of brown sugar for a sweet and savory side dish.

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