Roasted Butternut squash with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar

Butternut squash tossed in rosemary, balsamic vinegar

This is my first indulgence cooking with it, whom am I referring to? Its none other than Butternut squash. It is a winter vegetable and comes from the gourd family. It has a hard, thick skin and it is filled with seeds. It can range in size from 8 to 12 inches long, and about 3 to 5 inches wide, weighing up to 3 pounds. The color of the Butternut squash ranges from a yellow to a light tan. Inside, the flesh is orange and has a sweet flavor. Available in early fall through winter, you will want to choose a squash that is heavy with few blemishes and moldy spots.

Storage: Butternut squash can be stored longer than summer squashes because their skin is so hard and thick. Store in a cool dry place for at least a month. If the squash has been cut into pieces, then wrap in a plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 5 days.

Nutritional Qualities: The following qualities are available in one cup of mashed squash: 80 calories, 2 grams protein, 1 gram fat, 18 grams carbohydrates, with riboflavin, iron, Vitamins A and C.

Source: Seeds of Knowledge

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Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar

Recipe Source: Kalyn's Kitchen
Cuisine: American Cuisine (South Beach Diet)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:
1 medium sized butternut squash, about 6 cups of peeled, de-seeded and cut into cubes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp + 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped
kosher salt as per taste
freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F [200°C]. Cut the butternut squash into half and peel it with a knife (do not use peeler, it tough to work with). Cut into bite size pieces or you can use ready made store brought.
• Toss with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, rosemary, balsamic vinegar and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them single layered either on a cookie sheet or large dish.
• Roast until squash turns soft and lightly caramelized about 40 minutes in the oven.
• Remove from oven, toss it with 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt. Serve hot.
• Kalyn says "This is also excellent made ahead and reheated. For a holiday like Thanksgiving where there are lots of demands on the oven, it could be cooked early in the day and kept warm in a crockpot while other things bake"

Thanks Kalyn for this wonderful recipe, both of us enjoyed eating it hot and on next day too! This makes a great side dish for Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!