Butternut Squash With Chile Yogurt & Cilantro Sauce From Yotam Ottolenghi Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Roast

by: Genius Recipes

October29,2019

4.6

16 Ratings

  • Prep time 15 minutes
  • Cook time 50 minutes
  • Serves 4

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Author Notes

This bright and comforting recipe is as welcome on your Thanksgiving table as it is in your simplest winter dinner. An herby cilantro sauce (which will be just as delicious with your favorite fresh, soft herb of choice, cilantrophobes—try mint, parsley, tarragon, or a mix) and zingy yogurt sauce add life to the sticky sweet butternut squash. And Ottolenghi's no-peel casual approach to squash opens up our world to easier cooking with squash all fall and winter. The contrast between crispy skin and the soft squash interior cements this technique as a keeper. A caveat—if your squash has seen better days or is extremely difficult to carve through, it is probably best to peel the squash first (or not wrestle with it much at all—instead halve it, and roast it cut side down to make an easier puree; the seeds and peel will come right off). Recipe adapted slightly from Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking from London's Ottolenghi (Ten Speed Press, October 2014). —Genius Recipes

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

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Butternut Squash With Chile Yogurt & Cilantro Sauce From YotamOttolenghi

Ingredients
  • 1 large butternut squash (3 pounds or 1.4 kilograms)
  • 1 teaspoonground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons(90 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 3/4 ounces(50 grams) cilantro, leaves and stems, plus extra leaves for garnish
  • 1 small clove garlic, crushed
  • scant 2 1/2 tablespoons(20 grams) pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup(200 grams) Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoonsSriracha or another savory chile sauce
  • Salt and black pepper
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 425º F.
  2. Wash the squash skin well, cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove and discard the seeds, and then cut into wedges 3/4 inch wide and about 2 3/4 inches long, leaving the skin on. Place in a large bowl with the cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and a good grind of pepper. Mix well so that the squash is evenly coated. Place the squash, skin side down if possible, on 2 baking sheets and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until soft and starting to color on top. (If they topple over and don't stay skin side down, don't worry.) Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  3. To make the herb paste, place the cilantro, garlic, the remaining 4 tablespoons oil, and a generous pinch of salt in the bowl of a small food processor, blitz to form a fine paste, and set aside. (If you don’t have a small food processor, a mortar and pestle will work, or consider doubling the amounts to make in a large food processor and save any extra sauce for other uses.)
  4. Turn down the oven temperature to 350º F. Lay the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes. The outer skin will pop open and the seeds will become light and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  5. When you are ready to serve, swirl together the yogurt and Sriracha sauce. (Yogurt’s thicknesses will vary so feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking with a splash of olive oil or water.) Lay the squash wedges on a platter and dollop or drizzle the spicy yogurt sauce and then the herb paste over the top (you can also swirl the yogurt sauce and herb paste together, if you like). Scatter the pumpkin seeds on top, followed by the extra cilantro leaves, and serve.

Tags:

  • Sauce
  • Salad
  • Israeli
  • Middle Eastern
  • Chile Pepper
  • Cilantro
  • Cinnamon
  • Squash
  • Olive Oil
  • Butternut Squash
  • Yogurt
  • Pepper

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Sofia

  • Hmoshman

  • TXExpatInBKK

  • Rhonda35

  • Kristen Miglore

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24 Reviews

Sofia January 12, 2024

Amazing! Will be making again.

Darian December 29, 2023

This is simple, easy, and delicious. I used ground chipotle instead of cinnamon (husband hates cinnamon, and we like the combo of chipotle and butternut squash). I buy pepitas that are already roasted so that saves a step too.

Hmoshman October 27, 2023

I LOVE this recipe and so did my mom. Since the ingredients are relatively few, you wouldn't think it would so amazing, but it is! This is definitely one of my favorite Ottolenghi recipes, and I've made a lot of them! I will definitely want to make this again.

aclincol September 4, 2023

Loved it. We used an kabocha squash w only a sprinkle of cinnamon. And used a homemade chili powder for lack of chili sauce. Will make again and try other iterations.

Cathy November 24, 2022

We made this for Thanksgiving and loved it! which is surprising since I'm usually not a butternut squash fan. We didn't have Sriracha so used sambal oelek instead. We also added pomegranate seeds on top for another pop of bright color and acidity. It was beautiful and enjoyed by all.

shannennorman November 8, 2022

I have a food sensitivity to cinnamon so left that out and forgot garlic in my herb sauce and couldn't get the herb sauce blended in the bottom of my vitamix bc it was barely hitting the blade, but it was still SO GOOD haha. Big fan!!! Will be making again!

Lisa L. February 22, 2022

Have to disagree with you on this one. We didn't enjoy the roasted skin of the squash or the flavor of cinnamon. I ended up peeling the pieces and using the squash in Merrill's Creamy Butternut Squash Soup w/Sherry.

This was sooooo good and easy. I needed to use up some roasted squash I had in my freezer to I thawed it and mixed up the two sauces. I added a little lemon juice to the cilantro sauce but otherwise made this as written. I will definitely be making this again!

Premjivan February 24, 2021

Wonderful and delicious 😋
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼
www.kindfulness.se

Erin October 11, 2020

I'm not a cinnamon fan but tried it anyway to give it a chance.... turns out I'm still not a cinnamon fan! But this could *easily* be tweaked with chili powder or something else... Still, it's a really easy recipe with ingredients you likely have in your cupboard right now and I believe I've peeled my last squash :) A win!

If I made it again I would se less cinnamon, or a whole other spice (aleppo pepper?) and ramp up the srichacha in the yogurt.

Julie Y. August 10, 2020

This is truly delicious and makes wonderful leftovers for lunch. This is the type of dish that you lick the plate as you don't want to miss any of it's delicious goodness.

Laurie G. April 29, 2020

This seems like such a lovely winter/fall recipe and it's hardly winter/fall here in Virginia at the end of April, but I needed a healthy & light dinner idea so I made this last night. OMG!!!!!!! Totally delicious!!! Light, but filling. I'll be making this year-round, for sure. And relatively easy. It came together quicker than I expected. Awesome cilantro sauce! And the chile yogurt perfectly spicy in the cool yogurt! All of it worked so well together. I made it exactly as written after watching Kristen's video (which was very helpful particularly in showing how to cut up the butternut squash). Thank you for an awesome new recipe!

Laura November 24, 2019

OMG! I love this! The skin is the best part! Thank you! I'll never peel squash again!

Ellzabeth R. November 3, 2019

Did this recipe along with a butterflied chicken last night. Love the texture and flavour...sweet without any sugar, the cinnamon is so good with this. Did the two sauces as well...perfect. This will allow us to use squash on a regular basis. This particular recipe will be on our Christmas Eve Italian dinner menu and I LOVE the idea of using the seeds as a garnish!

Kristen M. November 4, 2019

Love hearing that this will make squash more doable on a regular basis for you, Elizabeth!

Patti November 1, 2019

Roasting stovetop with skin on, is my favorite too. I ❤️ the skin. This recipe sounds delicious and one day I will make it. Thanks

Kristen M. November 4, 2019

I heart the skin, too, Patti.

Rhonda35 October 30, 2019

Love this and am giving it a go tonight - with acorn squash. Wanted to add, if you don't have pepitas on hand, toast the seeds from the squash you are using.

Traci October 31, 2019

Rhonda35,
How did it turn out with the acorn squash and using the squash's seeds? I've thought of it but have never done it.

Rhonda35 November 1, 2019

Delicious!

Kristen M. November 4, 2019

Woo-hoo! Glad you liked it, Rhonda. When you roast the squash seeds, how free of guts do you try to get them before roasting? That's the thing that holds me back sometimes, but I think I'm being too perfectionist about it and should leave some of the guts attached and get on with it.

Rhonda35 November 5, 2019

Hi Kristen! I used to be a perfectionist about getting the seeds perfectly clean of "guts", but then I discovered leaving behind some trace bits of the guts enhances the flavor, so I don't work that hard anymore. When I roast the seeds, there are no big chunks of the squash innards, but there are traces of the strings, etc. (I hope that makes sense.) Give it a try!

Kristen M. November 6, 2019

Good to know! Classic example of perfect being the enemy of good (and of efficiency).

erunuevo November 12, 2020

I'm like that too and I developed a hack. Put a collander in the sink, dump the seeds in. Run water as you smoosh them around. Try to move the fleshy goo out through the holes. If it refuses to cooperate, pop the seeds out of it with your fingers and toss them into a bowl as you do it. When you're done, if the seeds are still a little gooey, rub them between your hands, in a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Butternut Squash With Chile Yogurt & Cilantro Sauce From Yotam Ottolenghi Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? He first tosses the butternut squash in oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper and then cooks it in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

Can you eat butternut squash skin? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

What does butternut squash taste off? ›

It tastes like a mix between a carrot and a turnip (but nicer than that, just can't describe it any better). Really nice roasted with just olive oil. I make a butternut squash and pea risotto which is lovely.

How does Rachael Ray cook butternut squash? ›

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with EVOO. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh nutmeg and roast until just tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Do you cook butternut squash cut side up or down? ›

Cooking butternut squash halves
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut off ¼" from the top and bottom of the butternut squash. ...
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the butternut squash halves cut side down. Bake for 50-60minute or until tender.
Oct 23, 2021

What is the liquid coming out of my butternut squash? ›

It appears to be sap, used as a defensive mechanism when it's harvested too early. It may irritate your hands if you touch it. I have seen it and just assumed it was the sugary juices coming out because of the heat. Same thing happens with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and many others.

Why do my hands feel weird after cutting butternut squash? ›

The liquid is so strong that it can harden into protective scab if the squash becomes cut or damaged—much like a tree. This sap has the same effect on skin, it creates a tough film that can feel stiff, or even itchy.

Why does my butternut squash soup taste bitter? ›

Why does my butternut squash soup taste bitter? Some butternut squash is more bitter than others, which may cause your soup to taste slightly bitter. If this is the case, try adding a bit more honey.

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

Can You Eat Butternut Squash Skin? It's important to note that while many people choose to remove butternut squash skin (and this is best practice for soup making, where you want smooth results), you can 100% eat roasted butternut squash skin. Slice butternut squash into crescents and roast it with the skin on.

Is it safe to eat raw butternut squash? ›

Skip eating most hard-skinned squash raw. "Hard skinned squash is difficult to eat raw," Marz says. "They are usually much larger in size, have a harder flesh, and are much more fibrous." Examples of hard-skinned squash that should not be eaten raw include: pumpkins, delicate, butternut, Hubbard, and acorn.

Can you freeze butternut squash? ›

Slice the squash into manageable chunks, like 1-inch cubes or slices. Spread the cubes or slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze at least one hour, or until fully frozen. Transfer the frozen squash to a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to a year.

Which tastes better butternut or acorn squash? ›

Acorn squash is milder in taste and slightly more fibrous in texture than butternut squash: Its sweet, nutty flavor is additionally muted by the watery character of its flesh. Still, most recipes that call for acorn squash can be made with another members of the squash family, such as Hubbard or butternut.

Why does my butternut squash have no flavor? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless.

Which is the tastiest squash? ›

Butternut squash have some of the best flavor of all! Butternut cultivars are pretty consistent when it comes to flavor. All have richly sweet, nutty flesh favored for all kinds of fall and winter cookery.

How does Jamie Oliver cook butternut squash? ›

Roast at 180°C for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and soft. Or, next time you've got the oven on, use up the space to cook a whole squash – simply bake it just as it is until you can insert a knife in easily, then use it over the following days for throwing into salads or to turn into pancakes or fritters.

Does butternut squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

It's important to note that while many people choose to remove butternut squash skin (and this is best practice for soup making, where you want smooth results), you can 100% eat roasted butternut squash skin. Slice butternut squash into crescents and roast it with the skin on.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

How should the butternut be prepared for cooking? ›

How to Prep and Cook Butternut Squash
  1. Unpeeled, cut in half and baked face down on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper is by far the easiest. You don't even need to remove the seeds before cooking. ...
  2. Peel the uncooked squash (carefully), remove the seedy pulp, and then cut into slices or cubes.
Jan 10, 2024

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