I recently visited a local discount grocery store to buy vegetables for my chickens and found some gorgeous butternut squash on sale. Of course, being a binge buyer for a good sale, I bought three of them and then spent some time deciding how best to use them. Of course, I had to make a batch of our favorite squash soup, and then I used another squash in a baked pasta dish. I decided to use the third squash as a unique side dish.
I made a creamy whipped feta and ricotta dip underneath the squash so you can scoop it up as you enjoy each bite of this tasty squash. I use my Vitamix to create the creamiest of dips and sauces, and this dip ended up so tasty and smooth, I think that it would be delicious slathered on some crusty bread all on its own! A hot honey drizzle on top to finish adds just a little heat, while toasted, chopped pistachios add some crunch.
Because I love to add fresh herbs to every dish, I added some fresh chopped dill from my herb garden. Mint or parsley would work great as well. This dish is great served warm or at room temperature, and offer some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy dip!
Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele
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Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Pounds Butternut Squash, peeled, Seeded, & Cut Into 2-inch Chunks
- 4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper To Taste
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Cup Toasted Chopped Pistachios
- Drizzle Of Hot Honey As Desired
- 3 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
Creamy Feta & Ricotta Dip:
- 1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 (6 Ounce) package Feta Cheese, Crumbled
- 1 Garlic Clove, Peeled
- Salt & Pepper To Taste
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- Splash Of Water As Needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the squash on a parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Toss the squash to coat with the oil mixture, then roast for 15 minutes.
- Turn the squash and continue to roast until it is tender and lightly browned.
- While the squash is roasting, place the dip ingredients in your Vitamix or other blender and blend until very smooth with the texture of hummus.
- Once the squash is done, Spread the dip over a platter and spoon the warm squash on top.
- Drizzle with the hot honey, chopped pistachios, and fresh dill.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 484Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 358mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 11gSugar: 21gProtein: 14g