Behold the Glorious Butternut Squash

written by: Hannah Thyne

Fall, glorious fall!

The air gets that wonderful crispness to it and the colors are vibrant and majestic. There is also another reason for celebration…behold the glorious butternut squash. This sweet and savory all at once squash is delicious simply roasted with olive oil and salt. Butternut squash pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg as well as savory herbs like thyme and sage.

Not only is the butternut squash delightful to eat but has so many health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants which helps fight inflammatory related diseases such as rhumatoid arthritis. It is rich in beta carotene which is excellent for eye health and vision. This squash is plentiful in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, calcium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and E. Being high in fiber, butternut squash is beneficial for healthy digestion as well as supporting healthy weight management and blood sugar levels.  Here is an effortless fall recipe using butternut squash.

INGREDIENTS

1 box (1 pound) rigatoni prepared to package instructions

4 tablespoons olive oil (2 for sautéing onions, 2 for roasting squash)

2 large sweet onions, chopped

5 cups butternut squash, cubed

1 teaspoon sea salt ( 1/2 for onions, 1/2 for squash)

2 tablespoons minced fresh sage

1/4 cup warm vegetable stock

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Toss squash in olive oil and salt.

Roast 15 minutes then stir and cook for another 10 minutes.

Sauté onions in oil and salt till caramelized adding the sage once the onions begin to become translucent.

Toss all the ingredient together in a large bowl including the warm stock.

Add salt to taste and olive oil to your liking for added richness

ENJOY!