Braised and Glazed Butternut Squash

Braised and Glazed Butternut Squash is the ultimate go-to recipe for enjoying the delightful flavors of winter squash. While this recipe works well with any variety of winter squash, it particularly favors butternut squash due to its ease of preparation. With its rich, tender texture and irresistible glaze, this dish will surely become a staple on your winter menu. You can also experiment with different winter squash varieties, but keep in mind that they might require a bit more effort to cut and peel compared to the user-friendly butternut squash.

Makes: 4 servings

Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 pounds butternut or other winter squash, peeled and cut into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup stock or water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put the oil and minced garlic in a large deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. When the garlic begins to color, after about 2 minutes, add the cubed squash and stock. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring the squash once or twice, until it becomes tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
3. Uncover the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally and stirring less frequently, until all the liquid has evaporated, and the squash has started to brown, which will take about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Turn the heat to low and continue cooking until the squash reaches your desired level of browning and crispiness.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley leaves before serving.

VARIATIONS:

• Butternut Squash with Soy: Substitute the stock with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Use ginger instead of garlic or include both. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and appeal.
• Butternut Squash with Tomato Sauce: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of Fresh Tomato Sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust the consistency and sauciness according to your preference and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if desired.
• Butternut Squash with Pesto: Stir in 1/2 cup of Traditional Pesto (thinned with a tablespoon or two of water) during the last few minutes of cooking until the pesto coats the squash evenly.
• Butternut Squash with Yogurt: Add 1/2 cup of yogurt in Step 2, after the squash has browned and become tender. Warm it through without boiling, and garnish with paprika, chopped fresh chives, or finely chopped pistachios.
• Sweet and Sour Butternut Squash: Mix together 1/4 cup of cider or rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the squash in Step 2, after the liquid has evaporated, to add a delicious sweet and sour glaze.

With these variations, you can create a range of exciting and delectable dishes using the same basic braised and glazed butternut squash recipe. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and discover your favorite way to savor the rich taste of winter squash!