As the spring blossoms unfurl and the earth awakens, I find myself in my kitchen, inspired by the bountiful harvest from last winter’s squash patch. Nestled in my pantry are the fruits of my labor, an array of winter squashes that I lovingly nurtured and harvested.
Being an avid beekeeper, my passion for crafting delectable dishes extends to using the raw honey I harvest from my own hives. It’s this natural sweetness that I’ve chosen to spotlight in today’s recipe.
Presenting my Honey Citrus Glazed Butternut Squash—a delightful fusion of flavors, where the earthy sweetness of butternut squash meets the bright tanginess of citrus, all brought together with the golden nectar of honey.
For this particular dish, I selected a sweet butternut squash from my harvest, eager to experiment with a citrus-infused glaze. The result? A culinary masterpiece that celebrates the freshness of spring while paying homage to the flavors of last year’s harvest.
Feel free to substitute the bitter orange in the glaze with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerine—it’s all about embracing what’s in season and making the most of nature’s bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, this Honey Citrus Glazed Butternut Squash is sure to be a hit at your table, infusing it with the vibrant colors and flavors of spring.
Tools Needed For This Recipe:
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife for slicing and making cuts on the butternut squash
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or non-stick baking mat
- Small saucepan for preparing the glaze
- Brush for applying the glaze onto the butternut squash
- Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
Honey Citrus Glazed Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup combination of bitter orange orange, and lemon juice (or substitute with grapefruit or tangerine juice)
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Squash Prep: Peel the butternut squash, slice it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Brush the squash halves with olive oil and place them flat-side-down on a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly softened.
- Prepare the Glaze:While the squash is baking, combine the olive oil, honey, citrus juices, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, and sage leaves in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. The glaze should thicken slightly, and the sage leaves will wilt.
- Glaze the Squash:Remove the squash from the oven and carefully slice it to create more surface area for the glaze, being careful not to slice all the way through to maintain its shape. Brush the squash with the prepared glaze, arrange the sage leaves on top in a decorative pattern, and return it to the oven.
- Baking:Bake the glazed squash for 50 to 60 minutes, brushing it with more glaze every 10 to 15 minutes to build up layers of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Final Glaze:Before serving, apply one final generous coat of the honey citrus glaze to enhance the flavors and appearance of the dish.
Video
Notes
- Try serving the glazed butternut slices on homemade hummus, paired with a kale salad and topped with air-fried chickpeas for a delightful meal.
- Drizzle some of the glazed juice over the dish as a sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy the glazed butternut squash as a versatile dish that pairs well with rice, hummus, or as a topping on a fresh green salad.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
- Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, indicating that it’s ripe and full of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
Don’t forget to check my other butternut squash recipe here.
Vegan Roasted Potatoes and Butternut Squash Casserole
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