Caramelised butternut squash
Caramelised butternut squash is a sweet and savoury side dish featuring tender roasted cubes glazed in a buttery, sugary mixture. This easy recipe elevates the natural flavors of the squash, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
Cook time 55 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 lb squash8 tbsp salted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1.50 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Caramelised butternut squash is a delicious and versatile side dish that's perfect for any meal. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Combining simple ingredients like salted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, you can easily elevate the natural sweetness of the squash to create a mouth-watering treat.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and then chop it into roughly 1-inch cubes.
- In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the bowl and toss well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Spread the coated butternut squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure the pieces are not touching, as this will help them caramelize evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through roasting, stir the squash pieces and return to the oven, ensuring all sides are caramelizing nicely.
- The squash is done when it’s tender, golden brown, and caramelized on the edges. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your caramelized butternut squash as a side dish or part of a larger meal.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, caramelised butternut squash can become a staple in your kitchen. Its balance of sweetness and savory notes makes it a perfect accompaniment to many main dishes, and it’s an easy way to add a touch of elegance to your meals. Enjoy your perfectly caramelised butternut squash!
Caramelised butternut squash FAQ:
The butternut squash should be roasted in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to stir the squash halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
The squash is done when it is tender, golden brown, and caramelized on the edges. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey to retain sweetness and moisture.
Use any standard butternut squash, ensuring it is firm and free of blemishes. Smaller squashes tend to be sweeter and tenderer.
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing the right squash: Ensure you pick a butternut squash that is firm and heavy for its size with a uniform beige color.
- Prep work: Peel and seed the squash thoroughly before cutting it into even-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Even cooking: Spread the squash pieces evenly on the baking tray to avoid overcrowding, which helps in consistent caramelisation.
- Mix well: Toss the squash pieces thoroughly with the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Temperature check: Keep an eye on the squash as it cooks. You want a deep caramel color but not burnt edges.
- Enhancements: Feel free to add other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
6 ServingsCalories 230kcal
Protein 1.55g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 4.32g
Sugar 14g
Fat 16g
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