This whole roasted squash is the perfect side dish to any dinner with family & friends. Add some grilled meat and a salad and you will be eating a whole load of happiness – trust me!
Whole roasted veg – that’s the latest “cool” thing isn’t it? Or has it already passed me by!
Does that mean I’m way behind the times posting this………. I’ve had this squash in the fridge for a couple days now as the original plans to use it went out the window so I figured I’d use a little of the staples in my pantry and whip up this delicious roasted squash with goats curd. This dish incorporates classic flavors and reminds me of a dish I had years ago in Little Creatures in Melbourne, in fact I think it was one of the first times I had eaten whole squash roasted, smashed up and topped with goats cheese as a dip. Truthfully, I have eaten roasted squash and goats cheese 100’s of times but this was the first time I remember thinking “this kicks ass” and to this day my wife and I still reminisce on drinking moscato, playing jenga and eating delicious crusty bread topped with the perfect squash dip.
I tend to use squash quite a bit when cooking at home, it’s super versatile and lends itself to many different ways of cooking – soup, as a purée, roasted whole, roasted in wedges, smoked the list goes on and I am yet to be disappointed.
Making a dish like this or a variation of it couldn’t be any easier. The basic principles are to cut the squash in 1/2 and then slice in a criss cross fashion as if you were scoring the skin like you do pork belly – this allows the heat to penetrate the interior of the squash. Then all you gotta do is give her a good rub, season her up and pop her in the oven and let her slowly roast. The flavour you get from roasting it slowly is so darn good but more importantly it allows the squash to cook evenly without burning. If you want to crisp up the edges for some caramelization then bang the heat up for the last 5-8 mins and you will get some beaut colour!!
Serve this as a side dish for a group of friends with some grilled meat and a delicious green salad and trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed.
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Happy Eating!!
Ingredients
1 butternut squash
2 tbsp olive oil
salt
pepper
1 tsp chili flakes – spice level dependent
1 tbsp pistachios – chopped
1 tbsp goats curd
1 tsp sage – chopped
1 tsp parsley – chopped
1 tsp rosemary – chopped
1 -2 garlic cloves – crushed
1 tsp honey – optional
Essential Tools
chopping board
sharp knife
baking tray/sheet
small food processor
pastry/basting brush
Method
1. Chop squash in half – lengthways and then cut the flesh in a criss cross fashion. Being careful not to break through the skin.
2. In a food processor combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper & herbs and blitz/chop into a brushable (if that’s a word!). consistency. Alternatively you can chop them and stir to combine.
3. Baste squash flesh with herb oil and roast in the oven at 160c for 45 mins or until you can flesh is soft. If you want some caramelization whack up the heat to about 200c for a further 5 – 8 mins (honey drizzle optional).
4. Once cooked top with a further brush of herb oil, chili flakes, chopped pistachios & goats curd. Honey drizzle once again is optional.
5. Serve with your favourite grilled meat or veg, a green salad and enjoy!
Tips/Tricks
*this can also be cooked on your bbq and a little smoke added for flavour, I would recommend cherry wood*
**if short on time then you can cut the squash into wedges and cook it in 1/2 the time**
***substitute feta cheese if goat isn’t available***
Mmmm.
Delicious.
Another must try 😉
You know it – I’m still waiting to see a pic of one of my cooked recipes 😜
Wow. It looks delicious! Will give it a try =)
Thanks Megan – would love to see a pic
This looks soooo delicious and great for this time of year (london based), where all you want is a bit of comfort and colour!
Thanks Renate – I’m originally Irish so I know all about those colder days! It’s so simple to make and you can add different herb variations, cheese, bacon, spring onion etc to it. Now, off to the shops and grab yourself a squash 😜
I absolutely LOVE roasted squash and goat cheese together, but this takes it to a whole new level! Will definitely be trying soon!
Awesome – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed 🤘
Gonna have to try this! I think I might do it on the bbq.
Do it!!! Just make sure you use indirect heat AND send me a pic 😎
Looking fiorward to making this – loving baking whole veg. So easy plus looks fancy! Jenga fan as well.
Thanks Lee-Ann!! Looking forward to seeing the finished product 😎