Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup

Name: Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups); 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional; 2 medium leeks (white portion only) or 1/2 large sweet onion, finely chopped; 1/3 cup maple syrup; 1 cup jarred roasted sweet red peppers, coarsely chopped

I love this roasted butternut squash because it’s marvelous served hot or cold and it's loaded with flavor from garlic, ginger and leeks. —Marie Willette, Bellows Falls, Vermont

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups)
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 medium leeks (white portion only) or 1/2 large sweet onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup jarred roasted sweet red peppers, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper; divide between 2 ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Roast 35-45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking.
In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and, if desired, pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Add leeks; cook and stir 3-4 minutes longer or until tender. Stir in maple syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until syrup is slightly reduced.
Place squash in a large bowl. Add red peppers and leek mixture; toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 178 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Marinated Butternut Squash and Tofu in Taste of Home November 2014