Description
Ina Garten’s honey-roasted delicata squash elevates seasonal produce with simple, elegant flavors. Caramelized edges and sweet-savory notes make this side dish a delightful complement to autumn meals you’ll want to serve again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900 g) delicata squash, unpeeled
- 4 large shallots, peeled and cut into wedges
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (40 g) honey
- 2 tsps kosher salt (or sea salt)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh sage, finely chopped
- Fleur de sel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and heat to 400°F (200°C) for consistent roasting.
- Squash Preparation: Trim delicata squash ends, halve lengthwise, remove seeds, and slice into ¾-inch crescents. Combine with finely chopped shallots in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Flavor Infusion: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped sage leaves into a vibrant marinade. Thoroughly coat squash and shallots with this aromatic mixture.
- Roasting Process: Spread seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization. Roast for 22-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and tender texture.
- Finishing Touch: Extract from oven and garnish with delicate fleur de sel. Serve immediately while warm to showcase the intense, caramelized flavors and preserve the squash’s optimal texture.
Notes
- Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife and steady cutting board to create uniform ¾-inch crescents for even roasting and consistent caramelization.
- Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure every squash piece gets completely coated with the honey-olive oil mixture by gently tossing and using a spatula to distribute flavors evenly.
- Single Layer Strategy: Spread squash pieces without overcrowding to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and prevent steaming, which can make vegetables soggy.
- Salt Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fleur de sel just before serving to enhance the roasted squash’s natural sweetness and add a delicate, crisp texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg