Chili- and Cinnamon-Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasting butternut squash at a high temperature helps the sugars caramelize, bringing out a sweetness that pairs perfectly with fall flavors like cinnamon and cayenne. This recipe plays on the duality of butternut squash – its savory and sweet components. The ground cinnamon complements the caramelization, and the chili powder and cayenne play on the vegetable’s more savory profile. The cayenne also adds a kick, though you can omit it if you prefer to keep this dish’s heat limited to the more subtle chili powder.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½teaspoons salt-free chili powder
- Kosher salt
- ½teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper or foil. In the baking pan, toss the cubed butternut squash with the olive oil, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cinnamon and cayenne (if using).Step 2
Arrange the butternut squash in a single layer and transfer to the hot oven. Roast, stirring halfway through, until the butternut squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, and the cubes are browning on the edges and starting to caramelize, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.