Description
Roasted butternut squash with brown butter and sage delights palates with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a rustic side dish that warms winter dinner tables and invites seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) butternut squash
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Finely grated lemon zest
Fats and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) good olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 200°C (400°F), ensuring an even temperature for optimal roasting.
- Transform the butternut squash by carefully removing its outer skin, then slice it lengthwise, extracting the inner seeds. Cut the vegetable into elegant half-inch (1.3cm) crosswise segments.
- Prepare the squash for roasting by generously coating the pieces with premium olive oil. Distribute of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper across the surface, gently massaging to ensure complete coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned squash pieces on a baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even caramelization. Roast for 25-30 minutes, periodically rotating the pieces to achieve a golden, tender consistency.
- Simultaneously craft the aromatic brown butter by melting high-quality butter in a small pan over medium heat. Introduce fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a delicate pinch of salt and pepper.
- Swirl the butter mixture continuously for 2-3 minutes, watching for a rich golden hue and detecting a nutty fragrance. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Transfer the roasted squash to an elegant serving platter, creating an appealing presentation. Gently rewarm the brown butter if needed, then cascade it gracefully over the squash.
- Finish the dish by zesting fresh lemon across the surface, adding a bright, citrusy note. Optionally, enhance with a final delicate pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.
- Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and the brown butter glistens, inviting immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Brighten the dish with a final sprinkle of lemon zest, releasing its fresh, citrusy aroma just moments before serving.
- Ensure even caramelization by gently flipping squash midway through roasting, allowing each slice to develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Monitor butter carefully during browning, watching for that perfect nutty transformation without crossing into burnt territory.
- Select fresh sage leaves for maximum flavor intensity, steering clear of dried alternatives that lack the vibrant herbaceous punch.
- Slice butternut squash with precision, maintaining consistent thickness to guarantee uniform roasting and perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 349mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg