If you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish for your next meal, look no further than this sweet and spicy roasted butternut squash recipe. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, this dish is bursting with flavor and will be a hit at any dinner table.
To make this recipe, you will need a medium-sized butternut squash, olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. The combination of the sweet brown sugar and spicy chili powder creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
To start, you will need to peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes in olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt until they are coated evenly. Then, spread the coated squash onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
Once the squash is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed as a side dish alongside your favorite protein or as a standalone vegetarian main dish. Either way, it is sure to impress your taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
The Sweet and Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash recipe requires the following ingredients:
- Butternut Squash: You will need 1 medium-sized butternut squash, approximately 2 pounds.
- Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to add sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the butternut squash and help with the roasting process.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon of chili powder to bring the spiciness to the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to add an extra kick of heat.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to provide a warm and sweet aroma.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for a hint of spiciness and depth of flavor.
These ingredients can be easily found in most grocery stores and are the key components for creating the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors in the roasted butternut squash.
Instructions
To make the sweet and spicy roasted butternut squash, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the butternut squash: Peel the butternut squash and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Remove the seeds and pulp from the center.
- Toss with spices: In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the squash is well coated with the spices.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Transfer the seasoned butternut squash cubes to a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. This will ensure that they roast evenly.
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the butternut squash for about 25-30 minutes, or until it becomes tender and starts to caramelize.
- Flip halfway through: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the butternut squash cubes to promote even browning.
- Serve hot: Once the butternut squash is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it hot as a side dish or as part of a salad or main course.
These simple instructions will guide you through the process of making delicious sweet and spicy roasted butternut squash. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you like it extra spicy, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with different seasonings: While the combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper is delicious, you can also try using other spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. For example, you could add some smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin.
- Try different types of squash: While this recipe calls for butternut squash, you can also use other types of winter squash, such as acorn squash or buttercup squash. Each variety will have its own unique flavor and texture.
- Add a tangy twist: For a tangy contrast to the sweetness and spiciness, you can squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the roasted squash before serving. This will add a bright and refreshing element to the dish.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: If you’re looking to take this dish to the next level, you can serve the roasted squash with a savory dipping sauce. A garlic aioli, yogurt-based dip, or even a balsamic reduction would complement the flavors nicely.
With these tips and variations, you can customize the sweet and spicy roasted butternut squash recipe to your own taste preferences and experiment with different flavors and textures.
