Ever wondered how to transform a humble squash into the ultimate cozy comfort dish that’s perfect for sweater weather? Allow me to introduce you to my go-to recipe for roasted sweet meat squash, drenched in a silky blend of maple syrup and cinnamon, and garnished with a touch of fresh thyme.

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Using sweet meat squash in my kitchen is a delight, even more so with these straightforward steps to create a nutritious dish. Roasting the winter squash is my preferred method because it is so simple, with very little hands-on time.

This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it deliciously convenient for serving at a dinner party. The addition of thyme at the end brings a lovely, fresh flavor.

Ingredients

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Sweet Meat Squash: Rich in fiber and vitamins, naturally sweet flavor.
Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat with antioxidants, enhances texture.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness, contains minerals like zinc.
Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice, adds depth and slight sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

1 sweet meat squash (about 4-5 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this

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1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up.

2. In a big bowl, toss the sweet, cubed meat squash with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon so that they are all nicely and evenly coated.

3. Place the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Cook the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Roast them with the oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir halfway through (if you remember), so they finish cooking evenly.

5. Take the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for a short time.

6. In a large saucepan, unsalted butter is melted over medium heat.

7. Put the roasted cubes of squash in the saucepan with the melted butter, stirring to combine.

8. Add the ground nutmeg and stir in the maple syrup, using moderate persuasion to meld the flavors.

9. Add the heavy cream slowly, stirring until the mixture is creamy and the squash is well coated.

10. Serve the sweet meat squash warm. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large bowl
3. Baking sheet
4. Large saucepan
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board

FAQ

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?Indeed, sweet meat squash has a distinct flavor, yet butternut or pumpkin can serve as excellent substitutes.

How do I peel and cube sweet meat squash?Use a sturdy peeler to take off the skin, then halve the squash, remove the seeds, and cube the flesh into uniform pieces.

Can I make this recipe vegan?Indeed, exchange the butter for a plant-based alternative and utilize coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?You can make the squash up to 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

What can I serve with this dish?This recipe for squash makes a dish that would complement a meal centered on roasted chicken or pork—but it also stars in a vegetarian main dish. I serve it here with farro and a bunch of kale.

Is it possible to make the dish spicier?For a hint of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Sweet Meat Squash Recipes Substitutions and Variations

Substitute for olive oil: Use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Cinnamon: For a different flavor profile, substitute the ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or ground allspice.
Honey or agave nectar can be substituted for maple syrup, giving a similar sweetness.
Ground nutmeg: Use ground allspice or a tiny bit of ground cloves to vary the spice.

Pro Tips

1. Roasting Tips: To achieve even caramelization and enhanced flavor, spread the squash cubes out on the baking sheet so they aren’t touching. This allows for proper air circulation and roasting rather than steaming.

2. Browning Butter: Before adding the squash to the saucepan, consider browning the butter slightly. Melt the butter over medium heat and watch it carefully, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. This will add a rich, deep flavor to the dish.

3. Infuse the Cream: For a more aromatic flavor, gently heat the cream with a few fresh thyme sprigs and a stick of cinnamon (that you can remove before using) before adding it to the squash. This will infuse the cream with subtle herb and spice notes.

4. Texture Variation: For a nice texture contrast, reserve a handful of squash cubes before adding the cream. Garnish the dish with these cubes for a decorative touch and an added layer of texture.

5. Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit more maple syrup over the top of the squash just before serving. This adds a glossy finish and an extra hit of sweet flavor.

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Sweet Meat Squash Recipes

My favorite Sweet Meat Squash Recipes

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Equipment Needed:

1. Oven
2. Large bowl
3. Baking sheet
4. Large saucepan
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board

Ingredients:

1 sweet meat squash (about 4-5 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up.

2. In a big bowl, toss the sweet, cubed meat squash with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon so that they are all nicely and evenly coated.

3. Place the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Cook the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Roast them with the oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir halfway through (if you remember), so they finish cooking evenly.

5. Take the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for a short time.

6. In a large saucepan, unsalted butter is melted over medium heat.

7. Put the roasted cubes of squash in the saucepan with the melted butter, stirring to combine.

8. Add the ground nutmeg and stir in the maple syrup, using moderate persuasion to meld the flavors.

9. Add the heavy cream slowly, stirring until the mixture is creamy and the squash is well coated.

10. Serve the sweet meat squash warm. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.