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Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of apples and the earthy flavor of butternut squash, typically baked in a casserole dish. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated cooking time:
History:
The history of Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is not well-documented, but it’s safe to say that it likely evolved as a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. Combining apples and butternut squash, both of which are in season during the fall, creates a harmonious dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or other cozy gatherings.
Components:
- 2 cups of butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
Preparation Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Prepare the Squash and Apples: Peel and dice the butternut squash and apples. You can use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced squash and apples. Add brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the squash and apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
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Assemble in a Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Optional Topping: If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the casserole for added crunch and flavor.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the squash and apples are tender. You can check doneness by inserting a fork; it should go through with ease.
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Serve: Once done, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve your delicious Apple Butternut Squash Casserole.
Cooking Time:
The estimated cooking time for this casserole is around 45-55 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your diced squash and apples, so it’s always a good idea to check for tenderness.
This cozy and flavorful casserole is a wonderful addition to any fall or holiday meal. Enjoy! π΄πππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Butternut Squash Casserole:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
- Total Fat: About 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 15 mg
- Sodium: Approximately 140 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 37 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 4 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 21 grams
- Protein: About 1 gram
- Vitamin A: About 120% of the daily recommended intake (from the butternut squash)
- Vitamin C: Approximately 15% of the daily recommended intake (from the apples)
- Calcium: Around 4% of the daily recommended intake
- Iron: Approximately 4% of the daily recommended intake
Health Information:
- This casserole is a good source of vitamin A, primarily from the butternut squash, which is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health.
- The dish contains vitamin C from the apples, which is important for immune support and collagen production.
- It’s relatively low in protein but can be complemented with a protein source for a balanced meal.
- The dietary fiber content contributes to digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.
- The dish is moderate in calories, making it a reasonable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- The addition of nuts (optional) can provide healthy fats and added crunch, but it will also increase the calorie content slightly.
As with any recipe, portion size and ingredients used can affect the nutritional profile, so these values are approximate. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dish, especially when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
