Roasted Fennel and Winter Squash Medley
This delightful dish combines the earthy flavors of roasted butternut squash and fennel, accented by a warm blend of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric. Originally inspired by a family winter gathering, this dish is perfect for fall or holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its inviting aroma and hearty taste make it a savory addition to any festive table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1.5 lbs (peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, halved crosswise, then cut lengthwise into 3/4 inch wedges)
fennel bulb
1 (trimmed, cut lengthwise into 1 inch wedges)
large red onion
1 (root end left intact, then cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch wedges)
olive oil
1-3 tablespoons (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and position the oven rack in the bottom third.
2
On a large, rimmed baking sheet, combine the butternut squash, fennel, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to ensure each piece is well coated.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the vegetables, making sure each piece is lightly covered.
4
Generously season the vegetable mix with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables once more to ensure even coating.
5
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the vegetables for approximately 45 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until they are tender and beautifully caramelized.
6
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a serving dish and enjoy them hot, as a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment to your meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roasted Fennel and Winter Squash Medley?
It is a savory side dish that combines roasted butternut squash and fennel bulb with a blend of warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include butternut squash, fennel bulb, red onion, olive oil, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
Where should I place the oven rack for roasting?
The oven rack should be positioned in the bottom third of the oven for optimal roasting.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, halved crosswise, and then cut lengthwise into 3/4 inch wedges.
How do I cut the fennel bulb for this dish?
The fennel bulb should be trimmed and then cut lengthwise into 1 inch wedges.
How should I slice the red onion?
Keep the root end intact and cut the onion lengthwise into 1/2 inch wedges.
What spices are used to season the vegetables?
The spice mixture consists of ground cumin, ground cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the vegetables.
How long do the vegetables need to roast?
The vegetables should roast for approximately 45 minutes.
Do I need to turn the vegetables while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should turn the vegetables once halfway through the roasting process.
What is the best way to ensure even spice coverage?
Mix the cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric in a small bowl before sprinkling the mixture evenly over the oiled vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is perfect for holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas due to its seasonal ingredients and inviting aroma.
What is the flavor profile of this vegetable medley?
It has earthy flavors from the roasted squash and fennel, accented by warm, aromatic spices.
How do I know when the roasted vegetables are finished?
They are done when they are tender and have become beautifully caramelized.
What kind of baking sheet should be used?
A large, rimmed baking sheet is recommended to hold all the vegetables in a single layer.
What is the origin or inspiration for this dish?
This dish was originally inspired by a family winter gathering.
How much cumin is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much chili powder is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much turmeric is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
Should the vegetables be served hot or cold?
The vegetables should be served hot for the best flavor and texture.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste before roasting.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients listed in total for this recipe.
Is this considered a fall recipe?
Yes, it is explicitly tagged as a fall recipe and a vegetable dish.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While butternut squash is specified, other winter squashes may work, though textures and roasting times might vary.
Why is the onion root left intact?
Leaving the root intact helps the onion wedges stay together during the roasting and tossing process.
How do I prepare the spice mixture?
Combine the ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and turmeric in a small mixing bowl before application.
Is this dish aromatic?
Yes, the combination of fennel and warm spices produces a very inviting and flavorful aroma.