Slow-Cooked Sugared Butternut 🍠
Overview:
Some vegetable dishes, using the right ingredients, can be transformed into a sweet and interesting side dish that has the flavor of a dessert. Butternut squash is naturally sweet and can be made to taste like dessert with a touch of magic. This slow-cooked sugared butternut recipe is a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its enticing aroma and heavenly taste, it’s sure to become a favorite on your menu, especially during festive occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 805.4 per serving
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Butternut Squash:
- Start by peeling the butternut squash and cutting it in half lengthwise, removing the seeds.
- Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes.
-
Preheat the Slow Cooker:
- Switch on your slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting.
-
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the butter to the slow cooker and let it melt, creating a luscious base.
- Once the butter has melted, gently place the cubed butternut squash into the slow cooker.
-
Add Sweetness:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butternut squash cubes, allowing its rich sweetness to meld with the natural flavors of the squash.
- Follow up with a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
- Scatter the raisins over the squash, infusing each bite with bursts of fruity goodness.
-
Mix Well:
- Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece of squash is coated with the buttery, sugary mixture.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the timer for 6 hours.
- Allow the butternut squash to simmer and soften slowly, absorbing the flavors of the brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid from the slow cooker and marvel at the tender, caramelized goodness within.
- Serve the slow-cooked sugared butternut hot as a delightful side dish or even as a dessert alternative.
- Each spoonful is a heavenly blend of sweet and savory flavors, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 805.4
- Total Fat: 24.1g
- Saturated Fat: 14.8g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Sodium: 216.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 156.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 21.8g
- Sugar: 55.7g
- Protein: 10.9g
Tips and Variations:
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative like coconut oil.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of aromatic spice.
- Texture Variation: For a crunchier texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the butternut squash before cooking.
- Serve with: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, or even alongside a hearty salad for a satisfying meal.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked sugared butternut, and elevate your dining experience with a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to impress with its irresistible aroma and heavenly taste. Enjoy the sweet simplicity of butternut squash transformed into a delectable treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🍽✨