BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PECANS AND CURRANTS

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Butternut Squash, Pecans and Currants image

This recipe, from the restaurant Balaboosta in New York, came to The Times in 2010 as part of a roundup of restaurant Thanksgiving dinners, but it can be served any time, even as a weeknight main alongside a hearty salad or starch. The currants and candied pecans play off the butternut squash's sweetness, while a vinaigrette stops it all from being too cloying. It's a delightful vegetarian main for when you want the essence of the restaurant meal, without too much work.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     quick, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 small butternut squash (about 2 pounds each)
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 thyme sprigs
Salt
Pepper
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/4 cup currants
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the squash in two at the base of the neck, discarding the hollow bulb end or reserving for another use. Peel the rest and slice into 1/2-inch disks. Toss the squash in a large roasting pan with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, thyme and salt and pepper to taste, and arrange in a single layer. Roast the squash, turning once halfway through, until tender and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, combine garlic and one tablespoon of the remaining olive oil. Sauté until fragrant and tender, about one minute. Add pecans and sugar, and toss until the sugar has melted and the pecans are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk the vinegar into the remaining olive oil. Add the pecan mixture, currants and chili flakes. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Arrange the squash on a warm platter and top with some or all of the dressing.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 351, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 815 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams

Titus Daniel
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I can't wait to try this recipe!


Saif Mohammed
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This dish is a great make-ahead meal. I can make it ahead of time and then reheat it when I'm ready to serve.


TEHEARA BAKER
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I love that this recipe is so versatile. I can add or remove ingredients to suit my own taste.


Gregory Steven
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This dish is a great way to warm up on a cold winter night.


Jabiru Okuna
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The currants add a nice pop of sweetness to this dish.


Riyaj Hossin
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I love the nutty flavor of the pecans in this dish.


Audreana Naranjo
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.


Md Novin
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I love that this recipe is so easy to make. I can have it on the table in under an hour.


Myron Royston
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This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Jazmine G
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I made this dish for my Thanksgiving dinner and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about it.


Mehedi Vai
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This is a great recipe for vegetarians and vegans.


Celine Murray
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I'm not a big fan of butternut squash, but I loved this dish. The pecans and currants really balance out the flavor.


Myk Ohi
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This dish is perfect for a special occasion dinner.


Antaram sardar
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The combination of butternut squash, pecans, and currants is a classic for a reason. It's always a winner.


Tobias Gray
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This dish is a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of butternut squash.


Raiyyan Par
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a success. It's a great way to use up leftover butternut squash.


Nagato X99
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I love the sweet and savory flavors in this dish. It's perfect for a fall dinner.


Benjamin Contra
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This dish is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Dominick Simons
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I made this recipe for a potluck and everyone loved it! It was a great combination of flavors and textures.


Dharmoraj Das
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This dish was a hit with my family! The butternut squash was perfectly roasted and the pecans and currants added a nice touch of sweetness and crunch.