Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe Is Full of Mediterranean Flavor (3 Ingredients, High-Fiber) by Elisa Schmitz

Butternut squash lovers, I have a simple yet delicious recipe for you to try. Although butternut squash is widely known for being the key ingredient in the creamy butternut squash soup recipes so many of us love, this winter squash is also yummy on its own. Similar to pumpkin, butternut squash has a sweet, almost nutty flavor that makes it taste like it could almost be dessert. But it also lends itself to savory recipes as well.

On a recent trip to my local farmers market, I found some beautiful butternut squash to get creative with when I got home. Being a fan of Mediterranean flavors, I decided to go in a savory direction with it rather than sweet. The result is this easy roasted butternut squash recipe that's full of Mediterranean flavor. Plus, check out the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

Similar to other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, butternut squash is packed with beta-carotene that the body converts into vitamin A – a key immune system booster. And couldn't we all use an immune-system boost this time of year? Technically a fruit, butternut squash is treated more like a vegetable. It's high in fiber and packed with vitamins and nutrients, among the many health benefits of butternut squash.

The roasted butternut squash recipe is simple to make yet tastes like it took a lot of effort. With just three ingredients and in only about 45 minutes, you end up with a sweet and savory side dish that most everyone can agree on. To make this easy winter squash recipe, here are the gluten-free ingredients you'll need to gather: butternut squash, extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano. (Some sea salt and freshly ground pepper are nice, too.) All you do is rub the squash with olive oil, sprinkle it with oregano then roast it until it's fork-tender. Top it with some fresh parsley for color, if desired. Serve it in the skin, in slices or scooped out of the skin onto a plate – whatever you prefer.

Serve this tasty squash recipe on its own as a light lunch, or as a vegetarian side with just about any dinner. It makes a festive and fun side dish for holiday meals, too.

Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• fresh parsley or other fresh herb (optional garnish)
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste (optional, but I used about 3/4 teaspoon of each)

Here's how to make it:

1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. (You also could try this recipe with delicata or other winter squash.)
   
2. Place squash cut sides up on a prepared baking sheet.
   
3. Spread the olive oil over the squash, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the oregano over the squash, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, if desired.
   
4. Bake in an oven that's been preheated to 425 degrees F until squash is fork-tender, about 40 minutes.
   
5. Remove from oven and serve as is, or cut into slices, or scoop out of skin and onto a plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or other fresh herb, if desired.
   
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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