If you adore the cozy, warm flavors of Middle Eastern spices and crave a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting, this Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is an absolute must-try. The perfect marriage of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes transforms simple diced butternut squash into a stunning side or a star component of any meal. Each bite delivers that rich, aromatic baharat spice blend balanced beautifully with a drizzle of honey and a touch of olive oil, making this dish irresistibly satisfying and easy enough to whip up after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all you need to make this Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe shine. Each element plays a vital role: the butternut squash offers natural sweetness and softness, olive oil ensures perfect roasting, honey adds a luscious glaze, and the homemade baharat spice mix brings an exotic depth that’s unparalleled.
- Small butternut squash: Peeled and diced for even roasting and a tender texture.
- Olive oil, 2 tbsp: Helps the squash caramelize beautifully while adding richness.
- Baharat, 2 tsp: This fragrant spice blend is the star, infusing warm and complex notes.
- Honey, 1 tbsp: Provides a sticky sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Squash
Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the squash will roast quickly and develop those golden, caramelized edges. Meanwhile, peel your small butternut squash and dice it into evenly sized cubes, which is key for even cooking.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil, Baharat, Honey, and Salt
Place your diced butternut squash onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Add the olive oil, baharat, honey, and kosher salt right on top. Stir everything together until each cube is beautifully coated with this flavorful mixture—the olive oil helps the spices cling and the honey to glaze the squash as it roasts.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Caramelized
Pop the tray into the oven and roast for about 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the squash occasionally during roasting—this encourages even cooking and caramelization on all sides. When it’s done, you’ll notice a tantalizing aroma and tender pieces with perfectly crisped edges.
How to Serve Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your roasted squash with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds. These add a lovely burst of color, crunch, and an herbal lift to balance the spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even alongside a creamy grain like couscous or quinoa for a vibrant vegetarian plate. The warm spices of the baharat beautifully complement protein-driven meals and make your dinner feel that much more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the roasted squash into a warm salad by tossing it with fresh greens, a splash of lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Or, blend it into a creamy soup for a cozy lunch. The versatility of this Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is part of its charm and endless appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It keeps beautifully, making it ideal for quick reheat options or to add into other dishes later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the roasted squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure it’s cooled completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to help retain the squash’s caramelized edges and warmth. Microwaving works too for convenience but may soften the texture slightly.
FAQs
What is baharat spice blend?
Baharat is a traditional Middle Eastern spice mix that typically includes black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. It adds warmth, complexity, and a woody sweetness to dishes, making it perfect for roasting butternut squash.
Can I use pre-made baharat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While making your own baharat blend offers the freshest flavors, quality pre-made baharat works just as well and can save you time in the kitchen.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! The Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is completely vegan, especially if you use a plant-based honey alternative or simply omit the honey and replace it with maple syrup.
Can I roast larger quantities of squash at once?
Definitely. Just be sure to use a large enough baking sheet and maintain an even layer so the squash roasts instead of steams. You might need to increase roasting time slightly.
What can I substitute for butternut squash if needed?
Other sweet, dense vegetables like pumpkin, kabocha squash, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious substitutes, roasting beautifully with the baharat and honey.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warmth that the Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe brings to your table. Whether you’re new to using baharat or a longtime fan of its aromatic spice blend, this dish is effortless, flavorful, and adaptable—making it a favorite to turn to again and again. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this vibrant dish as much as I do!
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Baharat Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic roasted butternut squash recipe seasoned with homemade baharat spice blend, olive oil, and honey. Perfect as a vibrant side dish that combines warmth and sweetness with Middle Eastern spice notes.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Roasted Squash
- small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 1 medium-sized squash, approximately 2 cups diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp baharat spice blend
- 1 tbsp honey
- kosher salt, to taste
Baharat Spice Blend
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
Instructions
- Prepare the Baharat spice blend: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 2 1/4 tsp cumin, 1 1/2 tsp coriander, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cardamom. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Season the squash: Place the peeled and diced butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the prepared baharat spice blend, add 1 tablespoon honey, and season with kosher salt to taste. Toss everything together on the sheet until the squash is fully coated in the oil, spices, and honey.
- Roast the squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 10 minutes) to ensure even cooking and caramelization on all sides.
- Serve: Once tender and golden, remove from the oven. Adjust salt if necessary and serve warm as a delicious side dish or incorporate into salads and bowls.
Notes
- Adjust honey quantity to make the dish more or less sweet according to preference.
- Stirring occasionally during roasting prevents burning and promotes even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
- Baharat can be made ahead in bulk and stored airtight for several weeks.
- Substitute butternut squash with other firm squashes like acorn or kabocha for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
