Butternut Squash with Red Onions and Taggiasca Olives
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butternut squash | 1400g |
| Red Tropea onions | 400g |
| Taggiasca olives | 70g |
| Fresh mint | q.b. |
| Water | 110g |
| Fine salt | q.b. |
| Mixed peppercorns (whole) | q.b. |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. |
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Instructions:
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Prep the Squash: Start by cutting the butternut squash in half. Peel it and slice it into small cubes (aim for uniform-sized cubes for even cooking). You should have around 700g of cubed squash ready for cooking.
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Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the red Tropea onions into thin strips.
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Sauté the Onions: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, lightly smashed, and the sliced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Cook the Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and increase the heat slightly. Sauté for a few minutes to allow the squash to cook lightly, stirring occasionally. Once the squash is lightly golden, remove the garlic cloves.
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Season and Simmer: Season the squash and onions with salt and pepper to taste. Add the water, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the squash to become tender.
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Add the Olives: Drain the Taggiasca olives and stir them into the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
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Finish with Mint: Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh mint leaves over the dish for a burst of flavor. Stir everything together and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve: Serve the butternut squash with red onions and olives warm as a delightful side dish to accompany your main meal.
Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can also roast the squash cubes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be added for variation in flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a light salad.
Enjoy this flavorful, healthy, and aromatic side dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of butternut squash with the savory notes of red onions and the briny punch of Taggiasca olives!
