Creamy Kale and Butternut Squash Gratin
This Creamy Kale and Butternut Squash Gratin brings together the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the vibrant, nutritious kale in a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Richly flavored with garlic, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice, this gratin is topped with a crispy, cheesy panko crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Excellent for lunch or as a side dish, this recipe can be prepared up to two days in advance for effortless serving. Just let it come to room temperature before baking — a delicious, nutritious treat that's budget-friendly and sure to impress your family and guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
2 (1 1/2 lb, cut in half and seeded, peeled, and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Kale
8 ounces (rinsed, stems trimmed, and cut into thin slices)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Coarse salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Allspice
1 pinch
Fresh thyme
4 sprigs (leaves coarsely chopped)
Heavy cream
1 1/2 cups
Panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2/3 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Kale and Butternut Squash Gratin?
It is a flavorful baked dish that combines earthy butternut squash and nutritious kale in a rich, creamy sauce, finished with a crispy panko and cheese crust.
What are the primary ingredients in this gratin?
The main ingredients include butternut squash, kale, heavy cream, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Is the Creamy Kale and Butternut Squash Gratin vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be cut in half, seeded, peeled, and then sliced into 1/4-inch slices.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of peanut oil for cooking.
How do I prepare the kale for this recipe?
The kale should be rinsed, have its stems trimmed, and be cut into thin slices.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, this gratin can be prepared up to two days in advance for effortless serving.
What spices are used to flavor the gratin?
The dish is seasoned with garlic, freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch of allspice, salt, and black pepper.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, with the leaves coarsely chopped.
What type of cream is used for the base?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
What makes the topping crispy?
The crispy texture comes from a combination of 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How much cheese is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2/3 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Should I bake the dish directly from the refrigerator?
If prepared in advance, you should let the dish come to room temperature before baking.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is described as a budget-friendly option that is still sure to impress guests.
What is the serving suggestion for this gratin?
It is excellent for lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
How much butternut squash is needed by weight?
The recipe requires approximately 1 1/2 lbs of butternut squash.
How much kale is used in the recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of kale.
What kind of salt and pepper should be used?
The recipe specifies coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is the nutmeg fresh or pre-ground?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Does this dish provide nutritional benefits?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutritious ingredients like kale and squash.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy on the inside with a satisfying, crunchy crust on top.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
The recipe specifies panko for the best crunch, but regular breadcrumbs could be used as a substitute if needed.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy, and baked nature.
How thin should the butternut squash slices be?
They should be sliced into 1/4-inch thicknesses for even cooking.
What kind of flavor profile does the allspice add?
A pinch of allspice adds a warm, subtle hint of depth to the creamy sauce.
Who is this recipe suitable for?
It is suitable for families and guests, especially those looking for a nutritious and delicious vegetarian option.
What category of dish is this?
This is a gratin, which is a type of baked dish topped with a browned crust.
Is the kale cooked before baking?
The recipe implies the kale is prepared with oil and garlic before being combined with other ingredients for the gratin.