Spice roasted butternut Squash - super easy, scrumptious, gluten free, perfectly tender, packed in great flavors and rich in nutrients!
Mom's Roasted Butternut Squash
This dish is the taste of home to me. The taste of my mom's cooking. The ginger, the cumin, the coconut, the cilantro and the pungent red chili flakes.
Most often butternut squash is roasted with sweet spices and flavors. But in my childhood, I remember my mom cooking a variety of yellow orange squash with savory spices. And it was damn good!
Although the one I prepared here is different from her recipe, the flavors I have used here remind me of many of her other veggie dishes. So the inspiration for this recipe is my mom's food!
By the way, butternut squash and spices, works amazingly well in my spiced butternut squash soup, that is perfect for the holidays. Another festive delight is our pumpkin curry recipe, so good with coconut milk!
Health Benefits
I have lately been obsessed with butternut squash as you may have already seen this recipe - Eggplant Yogurt Salad with Pomegranates Walnuts and Pita Chips - where I talk more about the nutrition potential of this lovely winter squash.
And if you want to try yet another fascinating squash that is also a nutrition marvel then check out my Spaghetti Squash with Chicken. Now on to some juicy tidbits about ginger.
Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family along with cardamom and turmeric. And it has been found to have several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, the main active one being the gingerols.
Research has indicated that these compounds may be beneficial in pain reduction in arthritis, treatment of inflammation and inhibition of the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.
Since ancient times ginger has been trusted for relief of digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, morning sickness etc. Ginger is also a diaphoretic - which means it promotes healthy sweating and therefore is valuable for its warming properties in cold weather.
In most recipes, ginger is used in only small quantities, so it does not add a significant amount of calories or carbohydrates, but adds a lot of flavor and zest to the dish.
Spice roasted butternut squash is one of my favorite ways to cook this winter squash. So quick and easy! And what a delicious and spicy way to warm up this winter!
More Recipes With Squash
- Zucchini Frittata (Persian Style)
- Healthy Mac and Cheese (Butternut Squash)
- Tahini Creamed Mashed Squash (Yellow Squash)
- Moroccan Lamb Stew (Acorn Squash)
★ DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE IT A STAR RATING BELOW!
Spice Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 3 pound butternut squash organic, unpeeled or peeled
- 3 tablespoons coconut flakes dried, unsweetened
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin seeds
- 4 teaspoons ginger fresh, grated
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes adjust per taste
- 1½ to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons cilantro fresh, chopped
- 2 to 3 tablespoons yogurt reduced fat, tart
- 2 teaspoons shallots finely grated, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Use a vegetable brush and scrub the surface of the butternut squash and rinse really well. I prefer to leave the peel on as it has a nice bite to it once it is cooked.
- Cut the squash into medium size wedges. If you prefer the spices and flavors to penetrate more deeply, you may cut smaller pieces. If you prefer to get a good taste of the squash itself, then you may cut it into bigger wedges.
- Sprinkle the coconut, cumin, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt and drizzle the olive oil all over.
- Toss the butternut squash to coat all the spices and ingredients well.
- Scatter the butternut squash pieces skin side down on a lined baking sheet. Allow the squash to roast for about 25 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly browned on the edges.
- Meanwhile, whip the yogurt with the grated shallots (if you prefer). If the yogurt is not tart enough, you may stir some lemon juice as per your taste.
- Remove the squash from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro and drizzle of yogurt.
- Enjoy this spice roasted butternut squash as a side dish.
Claudia
I eat butternut squash once a week and would love to try this those flavors are really going to make the squash taste amazing especially roasted ..
Roxana Begum
Yes its a nutritious vegetable and so tasty too. Hope you enjoy this recipe.
Dana
I love these flavors! Butternut squash is one of my most fave veggies, so I really need to give this a whirl.
Roxana Begum
I love butternut squash too.....very much. And I am so happy you like this version.
valentina
I've always loved the combination of ginger with orange squash (and carrots too)! This looks and sounds delicious!
Roxana Begum
So glad you like it. Thanks Valentina.
Allison
This flavor combo sounds AMAZING! I especially love the coconut flakes. Yum!
Roxana Begum
Thanks Allison. Yes definitely. The coconut flakes work very well and add a delicate crunch.
Rose
Ginger is one of my favorite ways to add a big boost of flavor to any dish. This recipe looks amazing, I can't wait to give it a try!
Roxana Begum
In this recipe I absolutely loved the way ginger pairs with butternut squash. Thanks Rose.
Lauren
i LOOOOOVE butternut squash and this sounds amazing!!
Roxana
Thanks Lauren. Me too. One of my favorite veggies.
Nazima
Such a unique way to prep butternut squash! I will try out this recipe the next time I get squash. Pinning!
Roxana
Thanks Nazima. Enjoy!
Shannon
This dish sounds so delicious- love the flavor combination!
Roxana
Thanks Shannon.
Kara
Oh my these flavors sound amazing together.. and I can only imagine how good they taste when you throw butternut squash in the mix. Definitely going to give this recipe a try!
Roxana
Thanks Kara. Yes, I love that squash too. Its so tasty.
Jodi
This looks so delicious! I love the addition of coconut. It looks like the perfect winter side dish- comforting, warm, and yet healthy :)
Roxana
Thanks Jodi. Yes perfect for this time.
Charlene
This looks absolutely delicious! I love that you added coconut too, I will be trying this recipe for sure.
Roxana
Thanks Charlene. It worked great. I loved it.
Amy
This looks super tasty! Adding this to my recipe list.
Roxana
Thanks Amy. So glad you liked it.