The most common way to eat butternut squash is by blitzing it into a soup. However, this squash can be turned into a delicious side dish. We'll show you an oven-roasted butternut squash recipe that you can enjoy all winter long.
Butternut squash is definitely one of the more popular winter squashes, most likely due to its nutty and earthy flavor. It’s low in calories and high in vitamins and nutrients, like vitamin A and C, magnesium, and potassium. This makes it a nutritious part of any regional diet. Oven-roasted butternut squash is just one of many dishes you can make using this classic winter vegetable.
The benefit of following a regional diet is that you end up consuming only the freshest produce that’s in season. The food you eat requires less transport (meaning less carbon emissions), and you end up supporting the local economy. When shopping for produce, head to farmers’ markets, and local organic food stores. Organic is often seen as the healthier choice, due to stricter regulations for things like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Another option you have is growing your own produce at home.
Also interesting: Growing Vegetables from Scraps: How to Regrow Vegetables
Tips for Preparing A Butternut Squash
(Foto: Utopia/ K.Stankiewicz)
Don’t let the odd shape scare you from enjoying its delectable flavor. If you’re unsure how to go about handling and preparing a butternut squash (for an oven roast or any other dish), use the following tips.
- Cut the squash in half. You can choose to do lengthwise (as seen in the photo above), or widthwise. Do whichever feels most comfortable for you.
- Once you’ve cut it in half, use a sturdy vegetable peeler to peel the skin off.
- With the bottom half, you’ll need to scoop the seeds out using an ice cream scoop, or spoon.
- Now it’s ready to be cut. For our recipe, you’ll want to cut it into 1inch cubes.
Did you know? Butternut squash peel is edible. It just takes a long time to cook. Instead of throwing it away, you can wash, cut, and boil it and add it to a vegetable dish.
Easy Oven Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
(Foto: Utopia/ K.Stankiewicz)
It doesn’t take much to bring out the best flavors of this winter squash. The maple syrup helps to caramelize and bring out the sweetness. Just remember to be generous with the oil so the squash doesn’t dry out.
Ingredients
- 1 whole butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp. cinnamon (type Cassia or Ceylon)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1½ tbsp. organic maple syrup
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the peeled and cubed butternut squash into a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup on top, then add your salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Toss to get an even coating on your butternut squash, then spread out in a single layer on a greased baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven at 400F for approximately 15 minutes, then flip the cubes using a spatula. Continue to roast in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until butternut squash is nice and tender.
- Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with the freshly chopped rosemary.
Read more:
- Clever Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- 10 Flowering Vegetables You Can Grow in Your Garden
- Preserving Plums: How to Enjoy Them All Year Round
- How To Make the Best Winter Squash Soup With Any Squash
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