Are you looking for a delightful and healthy side dish to elevate your holiday meal? Look no further! This roasted butternut squash and green beans recipe is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
With its vibrant colors and flavorful combination of ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish, sharing expert tips and tricks along the way.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to gather before diving into this culinary adventure:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon of salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, divided
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Additional Information: The measures provided are for a serving size of 4. Adjust the quantities accordingly based on the number of guests you’ll be serving.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a symphony of flavors on your plate:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup later.
- Place the cubed butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the squash and sprinkle it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the squash gently to coat it evenly with the seasoning.
- Bake the squash in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes fork-tender and develops a slightly caramelized exterior.
- While the butternut squash is roasting, prepare the green beans. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook them for 2-3 minutes, until they become vibrant green and slightly tender.
- Drain the cooked green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their crispness. Once cooled, drain the green beans and set them aside.
- In a sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook it for approximately 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the roasted butternut squash and blanched green beans to the sauté pan. Season the mixture with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Gently toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavors.
- Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to come together and the flavors to meld. This step will also ensure the vegetables are heated through.
- Once the dish is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an added touch of freshness and color.
Serve this delightful roasted butternut squash and green beans dish alongside your centerpiece holiday turkey or roasted chicken. Its vibrant colors and delectable flavors will complement any main course, making it a standout addition to your holiday table.
Chef’s Tips
- To save time on the day of your holiday feast, you can prepare the cubed butternut squash and trimmed green beans a day in advance. Simply store them separately in zip-top plastic bags in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast and cook them.
- The basil-shallot vinaigrette mentioned in the reference articles is not included in this recipe. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can drizzle it over the finished dish for an added burst of flavor.
So, why wait? Impress your loved ones with this scrumptious roasted butternut squash and green beans recipe. Its combination of tender squash, crunchy green beans, and savory shallots will make it an instant holiday favorite. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Additional Information: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper can add an unexpected twist to this classic dish.
