Showing posts with label squash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label squash. Show all posts

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Balsamic Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash


I hate Brussels sprouts, or at least I did.  These Brussels sprouts, oven roasted with butternut squash and dried cranberries, then tossed with Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, are game changers.


If you're stateside, and looking for an extra vegetable dish to add to your Thanksgiving table this weekend, look no further.


Prep time is minimal.  Some peeling and chopping, then into the oven to carmelise.  Brussels sprouts prepared this way taste so much better than their boiled or steamed versions (a revelation for me, sort of like how I felt when I discovered oven roasted broccoli), and the sweet butternut squash is a perfect match.


The dried cranberries add another flavour boost, and the Dijon balsamic vinaigrette wraps it all up perfectly.  It's also a forgiving side dish, tasting just as good warm as it does lukewarm.

Easy to make, easy to serve, and incredibly tasty.



Balsamic Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and sliced in half
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup dried cranberries

2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with two tablespoons of olive oil on a large rimmed baking sheet.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss again to distribute evenly.

Roast the vegetable for 20 - 30 minutes, gently tossing once or twice during cooking time.  Scatter dried cranberries over the vegetables for the last five minutes of cooking time.  Remove from oven.

While vegetables cool, whisk together Dijon mustard and both vinegars.  Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, until the oil and vinegars have emulsified.  Season with cayenne pepper.

In a large bowl, gently toss roasted vegetables with Dijon vinaigrette.  Salt and pepper to taste if necessary.  Serve warm or lukewarm.






Friday, 13 December 2013

Eleven Days, and the Miracle of Spaghetti Squash

The countdown to the big day is on.  Less than two weeks until Christmas.  Despite the inevitable stress that comes with this time of year, there have also been some fa-la-la moments.  Christmas concerts, pot-lucks, and parties.   And the fetching of the tree.  I suspect this one may be Italian.  It leans, Pisa style.  No matter how we adjust it in the tree stand, it won't stand straight.  


I managed to get through the rest of the photos I took during our weekend in Chicago.



As we've added seasonal merrymaking to our already full schedules, meal times have become even more rushed than usual.  I have a few quick meals in my arsenal, including this one that showcases the miracle of spaghetti squash.  

The idea of living on peppermint and gingerbread for the next few weeks is tempting, but I feel compelled to make sure we're eating some real food along the way.
It amazes me how this:


...can become this.  Miraculous.


Some steaming, shredding, seasoning, and a few add-ins... and dinner is ready.


Funny how one spaghetti squash can yield so much, yet an entire bag of spinach amounts to so little after a quick stir around a hot pan.



How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash

Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.  Place cut side down on a microwave safe plate with a small amount of water.  Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes.  The squash is ready when the shell can be pierced with a fork.  Let it sit for a few minutes.  When it's cool enough to handle, shred the flesh with a fork, working lengthwise from one end to the other.  At this point you can eat it just the way it is, with some butter, salt & pepper... or get a little more creative with add-ins.  I wilted spinach with some olive oil and garlic and combined it with the spaghetti squash, along with some leftover peppers and onions from fajitas the night before, and some cooked seasoned chicken.


Spaghetti squash is low in calories, high in nutrients, and really tasty.  An added bonus: the seeds can be roasted just as you would roast pumpkin seeds!

  

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