Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Maple

Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Maple is a delightful and elegant dish that showcases the natural sweetness and tender texture of butternut squash. Inspired by renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s technique, we’ve developed a savory recipe that not only tastes exquisite but also presents beautifully on any dining table. By peeling the squash thoroughly and utilizing melted butter for browning, we achieve a supremely tender and caramelized result. The mix of toppings, including crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a hint of spiced maple syrup, adds layers of flavor and a touch of sophistication to the dish.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2½–3 pounds butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1½ ounces goat cheese, crumbled (⅓ cup)
• ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and chopped coarse
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

PREPARE THE SQUASH:

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Using a sharp vegetable peeler or chef’s knife, remove the skin and fibrous threads just below the skin from the butternut squash. The squash should have a completely orange surface without any white flesh.
3. Halve the squash lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place the squash, cut side down, on a cutting board, and slice it crosswise into ½-inch-thick pieces.

TOSS AND ROAST THE SQUASH:

1. Toss the squash slices with the melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Roast the squash in the preheated oven until the side touching the sheet toward the back of the oven is well browned, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and continue baking until the other side touching the sheet is also well browned, typically 6 to 10 minutes more.
3. Use a metal spatula to flip each piece of squash and continue roasting until the squash is very tender, and the side touching the sheet is browned, usually 10 to 15 minutes.

ASSEMBLE AND SERVE:

1. Transfer the roasted squash to a platter.
2. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup and cayenne pepper, then drizzle this mixture over the squash.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, and fresh thyme leaves over the squash.
4. Serve the Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Maple as a delightful and flavorful side dish or a stunning main course.

TIPS:

• Selecting Butternut Squash: Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, has smooth skin, and is free from blemishes or soft spots. Ensure that the squash is completely orange, with no white flesh remaining, for the best texture.
• Thoroughly Peeling the Squash: Peeling the butternut squash thoroughly removes not only the outer tough skin but also the fibrous layer just beneath it. This ensures that the squash becomes supremely tender during roasting.
• Roasting Temperature and Timing: Roast the squash at a high temperature (425 degrees) on the lowest oven rack to encourage caramelization. Adjust the roasting time and rotate the baking sheet as needed to achieve even browning.
• Variation with Tahini and Feta: If you’d like to try a different flavor profile, opt for the variation with tahini and feta cheese. The combination of tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey adds a delightful Middle Eastern twist to the dish.

USAGE:

Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Maple is a dish that elevates the humble butternut squash into a gourmet delight. With its delightful combination of flavors, contrasting textures, and stunning presentation, it’s an ideal addition to any dinner party or family gathering. The roasted squash with its tender and caramelized exterior, paired with creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a touch of spiced sweetness from the maple syrup, creates a symphony of taste and visual appeal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish is sure to impress and leave your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy this delectable creation and savor the rich and harmonious flavors of roasted butternut squash!