Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! This maple roasted butternut squash and beets dish is not just a side—it's a flavor explosion that captures the very essence of fall in every single bite. With a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup, earthy vegetables, and caramelized edges, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling the butternut squash and beets. Use a sharp chef's knife and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. Aim for roughly similar-sized pieces to promote consistent cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a glossy, flavorful coating for the vegetables.
- Place the cubed butternut squash and beets in a large mixing bowl. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper caramelization and roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The vegetables are done when they're tender and have caramelized edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your butternut squash and beets into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread vegetables in a single layer to allow proper caramelization. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Maple Syrup Secret: Use pure, high-quality maple syrup for the most robust flavor. The natural sugars will help create those irresistible caramelized edges.
- Seasoning Technique: Whisk your maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper thoroughly before coating vegetables to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Halfway Stir: Remember to gently stir the vegetables halfway through roasting to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Optional Herb Boost: Consider garnishing with fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
