Aromatic Spiced Squash

This really is a treat for all the senses. The cinnamon and cardamon aromas of the caramelised butternut squash makes it the perfect comfort-food, Ottolenghi-style. Taken from his vibrant vegetable bible, Plenty More, this squash is a bold protagonist of any plate.

Serving Suggestion: alongside a whole roast chicken or juicy thighs, or alongside wilted spinach and/or fresh summer greens for a (v) main.

Difficulty Level: 2

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Ingredients:

Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main

• 20g unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 1cm-thick slices

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3cm pieces (chunks or slices)

• Salt

• 30g pumpkin seeds

• 1 tsp nigella seeds (black onion seeds), plus extra to garnish

• ½ tsp each ground cumin and coriander

• ¼ tsp ground turmeric

• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 green chilli, halved lengthways

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 200ml vegetable stock

• 100g Greek yoghurt

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Put the butter and oil in a large sauté pan, and fry the onion for approx. 8 minutes over medium heat until soft. Add the butternut squash pieces, turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to colour.

2. Remove from the heat and add half a teaspoon of salt, the seeds, spices, chilli and sugar. Mix and transfer to an ovenproof dish large enough to hold everything snugly. Pour in the stock and roast for 30 minutes, by which point the butternut should be tender and all the liquid absorbed or evaporated.

3. Serve warm with yoghurt spooned on top, a sprinkling of chopped coriander and a few nigella seeds.

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