Trying to find a fall facet dish that’s Thanksgiving-ready but easy sufficient for a weeknight dinner? This roasted butternut squash with honeyed labneh (or strained Greek yogurt)Z, dates, and hazelnuts is exclusive, flavorful, and straightforward.
A Distinctive Fall Squash Recipe You’ll Love
I like butternut squash, and my web site has tons of roasted butternut squash recipes—from sausage-stuffed butternut squash to a festive butternut squash pasta salad. As we speak I’m sharing one other squash facet dish that’s slightly distinctive but nonetheless tremendous straightforward to make. It really works as a vegetarian, lighter Fall facet for on a regular basis meals, and it matches proper in on a Thanksgiving desk alongside richer mains. Right here’s how I assemble it:
- First, I roast skinny slices of butternut squash seasoned with thyme, sage, sumac (or lemon seasoning), black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Then, I unfold a easy layer of honeyed labneh (or strained full-fat Greek yogurt) on a platter and layer the nice and cozy squash excessive.
- Lastly, I add chopped dates and toasted hazelnuts, end with a light-weight drizzle of honey, and scatter just a few recent herb leaves.
The Components & Substitutions
- Selecting the squash: Search for a agency butternut squash with no smooth spots or wrinkles. Medium to massive squash works effectively for slicing evenly.
- Olive oil issues: A superb high quality further virgin olive oil enhances the sweetness of the squash and brings out the spices.
- Honey choices: Gentle-flavored honey like clover works finest. You may as well use maple syrup or agave.
- Labneh alternate options: If labneh is unavailable, full-fat Greek yogurt works in its place. Pressure it for half-hour for a thicker consistency.
- Date variations: Medjool dates present sweetness and texture. Dried figs, dried cranberries, or raisins can be utilized as substitutes.
- Nut swaps: Hazelnuts add crunch and taste, however almonds or pecans additionally work effectively. Flippantly toast them to deliver out their aroma.
- Spice flexibility: Sumac provides a refined tang. You’ll be able to change it with a light-weight sprinkle of smoked paprika.
What’s Labneh?
Labneh is a Center Jap strained yogurt cheese. It’s made by draining yogurt (often whole-milk) by a cheesecloth till it loses a lot of its liquid whey, forsaking a thick, spreadable, tangy dairy product that’s someplace between Greek yogurt and cream cheese. Strained Greek yogurt mimics labneh most intently in each taste and texture.
Labneh Substitutions
- Greek yogurt (full-fat): Closest in style and tang—pressure it in a single day in a cheesecloth to thicken it into labneh-like consistency.
- Whipped ricotta: Mix ricotta with lemon juice, salt, and a splash of olive oil.
- Bitter cream: Works in dips and as a topping; tangy however looser in texture.
- Cream cheese: Thicker, richer, much less tangy—good if you would like that creamy spreadable high quality.
- Mascarpone: Gentle and creamy, however sweeter, softer, and fewer tangy.
- Skyr: Thick and high-protein; barely milder tang.
Serving Solutions
- Plating: Function a putting vegetarian major or facet. Prepare the squash in slight overlaps on a large platter for a clear, restaurant-style look.
- What to pair with: This dish pairs superbly with roast rooster, roasted Cornish hens, lamb, or roast duck; additionally nice with a hearty grain salad (farro, quinoa) or a veggie facet like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries to steadiness the richness.
- Greatest temperature: Plate the squash whereas heat so it gently softens the labneh to room temp—every thing tastes cohesive and frivolously warmed.
- Use the leftovers: Chop further squash into grain bowls, shawarma bowls, salads, or omelets. Unfold the honeyed labneh on toast or use it as a dip for roasted veggies like inexperienced beans.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Honey Labneh, Dates, and Hazelnuts
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Components
- 1 medium butternut squash about 2 kilos, peeled, seeded, and reduce into ¼-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon floor black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon floor sumac
- â…› teaspoon dried sage
- â…› teaspoon floor cinnamon
- 1 cup labneh (or full-fat Greek yogurt strained for half-hour)
- 2 teaspoons honey plus extra for drizzling
- 3 Medjool dates pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
- recent thyme or sage for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Place racks within the high and backside third positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, sumac, sage, and cinnamon. Unfold in a single layer on the ready sheets. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping midway, till tender and frivolously caramelized.
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In a small bowl, stir honey into the labneh with a pinch of salt. Alter sweetness to style.
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Unfold a layer of honeyed labneh on a serving platter or particular person plates. Prepare roasted squash slices on high, barely overlapping.
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Sprinkle with dates and toasted hazelnuts. Drizzle extra honey if desired. Garnish with recent herbs.
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Serve at room temperature or barely heat.
Notes
- Even roasting: Slice squash uniformly so it cooks evenly and develops a young, caramelized exterior.
- No parchment possibility: In case you don’t have parchment, frivolously oil the baking sheet to forestall sticking.
- Air fryer methodology: Roast the squash in an air fryer at 400°F for 12 to fifteen minutes, shaking midway by. This can be a nice possibility for those who’re making a smaller batch to make use of up some squash.
- The right way to make spices follow the squash: Conserving the olive oil to only one tablespoon ensures the spices follow the squash and don’t collect on the backside of the bowl.
- Labneh consistency: Stir the labneh effectively to make sure it’s easy and evenly mixed with honey.
- Make-ahead prep: Roast squash as much as a day prematurely and retailer within the fridge. Labneh combination will also be made forward for comfort. Reheat squash gently in an oven earlier than serving if desired.
Vitamin
Different Butternut Squash Thanksgiving Facet Dishes
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Inexperienced Beans with Pine Nuts
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
- Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese
