Description
Ina Garten’s honey-roasted delicata squash delivers a sublime autumn side dish with golden-brown edges and caramelized sweetness. Maple-glazed and seasoned with rosemary, this simple recipe brings Mediterranean warmth to seasonal vegetables you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (900 grams) delicata squash, unpeeled
- 4 large shallots, peeled and cut into wedges
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) good olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (40 grams) honey
- Fleur de sel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
- Prepare the butternut squash by trimming off both ends, then carefully slice the vegetable in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove and discard the seeds, then cut the halves into uniform ¾-inch (2 cm) thick crescents.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine the sliced squash with finely chopped shallots. Create a flavor-infusing marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Finely chop fresh sage leaves and incorporate them into the olive oil mixture. Pour this aromatic blend over the squash and shallots, gently tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the fragrant dressing.
- Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a large rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to promote optimal caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning. The squash is ready when it turns golden brown and becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and elegantly finish by sprinkling delicate fleur de sel over the roasted vegetables. Serve immediately while warm to preserve the intense, caramelized flavors.
Notes
- Keep squash pieces uniform by cutting them all to ¾ inch thickness for consistent roasting and caramelization.
- Maximize flavor by using fresh sage leaves instead of dried, which provide a more vibrant and aromatic herb essence.
- Prevent steaming by spreading squash and shallots in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing each piece to develop golden edges.
- Elevate the final presentation by sprinkling fleur de sel just before serving, adding a delicate crunch and sophisticated salt burst.
- Achieve perfect roasting by flipping squash pieces once during cooking, ensuring both sides develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg