Ingredients and Weight:
- Butternut Squash - 1 large (about 2 pounds)
- Onions - 2 medium, sliced
- Fresh Spinach - 8 cups, chopped
- Cranberries - ½ cup
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the cubed squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the roasted squash to the pan with the onions. Stir to combine.
- Add the chopped spinach and cranberries, and cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper, add lemon juice to taste and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
Dish Characteristics:
- A fusion of sweet and tart flavors with the rich taste of butternut squash, fresh spinach, and cranberries.
- The dish is hearty and filling, making it a perfect main course or side dish for any meal.
- The dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
User Comments:
- "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of flavors was outstanding." - John Doe
- "The roasted butternut squash was so delicious, paired perfectly with the cranberries and spinach." - Jane Smith
- "This dish was a great addition to my Thanksgiving menu. It brought a unique flavor to the table." - Bob Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cube the butternut squash into uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning as per taste, adding more salt or lemon juice for a more pronounced flavor.
- This dish can be served as a side dish or a main course, depending on the portion size.