Name: Baked Butternut
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 52 min
Ingredients: 1 Butternut (– cut in half); 2 Tbsp Butter; 1 Tbsp Brown sugar

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When it comes to desserts and sweet stuff, many people don’t often look to butternut to satisfy sweet tooth cravings; however, if you are looking to cut down on sugar and carbs, this healthy option will satisfy your needs. The natural flavor of butternut is incredible when it is roasted in the oven. The high temperatures accentuate the natural sweetness of squash.

This recipe has only three ingredients. It is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. You can add variety to the flavors of this butternut dish with different toppings. One of the best parts about this dish is that it can be served savory or sweet. Some savory pairings include fried onions, leeks, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and nuts. For a sweet dish, use your favorite ice cream, yogurt, chopped dates, or candied pecans.

Ingredients

Butternut, Brown Sugar, Butter.

Avoid shiny butternuts with glossy patches, which often indicate the squash hasn’t reached a sufficient level of ripeness. Butternuts with a matte skin indicate their ripeness. Heavy butternuts are a sign of sweetness. When you tap the butternut, it should sound firm and dense.

Brown sugar is sprinkled on top of the butternut, and, combined with the butter, it creates a rich butterscotch flavor. You can sprinkle cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg on top of the butternut to elevate its naturally earthy undertones. Choose salted butter to add more flavor; its light saltiness will complement the earthy butternut and the brown sugar.

Instructions

Thoroughly rinse the butternut under running water. Slice off both top and bottom ends of the butternut and cut it in half horizontally. Avoid cutting into the hollow zone of the butternut to prevent melted butter from oozing out. Remove the seeds whilst preserving most of the fibrous part where the seeds are attached, mainly because it is the sweetest and most flavourful part.

Place the butternut in a casserole. Add a dollop of butter in the hollow parts of the butternut. Sprinkle the brown sugar on the inside surfaces of the butternut. You can swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup.

Preheat the oven to 145ºC or 295ºF. Place the casserole in the oven and bake the butternut for 50 minutes with the fan on, or 60 minutes without the fan. Poke the butternut with a fork. When the butternut is ready, the fork will go through without any resistance. If the butternut is still a bit hard, bake for another ten minutes. Baked butternut is best enjoyed when it is freshly out of the oven. Use a spoon to scoop up the fleshy part of the butternut.

What to Serve with Baked Butternut?

Baked butternut squash is a flavourful and versatile dish that can be served either as a side or as a dessert. Butternut naturally has a sweet and savoury flavour, which makes it perfect for pairing with all kinds of dishes, such as proteins, vegetables, grains, or salads. Consider the following recipes as ideal dishes to pair with the baked butternut, Grilled Lamb Chops, Rocket and Red Pepper Salad.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Butternut?

Bring the baked butternut to room temperature. However, butternut should not be left out for more than two hours after baking. Transfer the butternut into an airtight container and store it in the fridge or freezer. It will last for up to five days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

Baked Butternut

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Servings:

Calories: 246kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 50

Total Time 52

Ingredients

▢ 1 Butternut – cut in half
▢ 2 Tbsp Butter
▢ 1 Tbsp Brown sugar

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the butternut with water. Cut out the top and bottom ends of the butternut. Remove the seeds and horizontally cut the butternut in half.
Flavour the butternut: Place the halved butternuts in a casserole. Add one tablespoon of butter inside the hollow part of each butternut. Sprinkle brown sugar on all the inside surfaces of the butternut.
Bake the butternut: Place the casserole of butternut in a preheated oven at 145ºC or 295ºF. Bake the butternut for fifty minutes with the fan on, or sixty minutes without the fan. Poke the butternut with a fork to see if it is done. If the fork does not go through with ease, bake for another five to ten minutes. Add toppings such as whipping cream, extra sugar, or honey, and serve the baked butternut while it is hot.