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1 large butternut squash (approximately 3 lbs.)
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces*
Fresh sage or oregano leaves, about 6 sage leaves or oregano leaves from 2 stems (can substitute with 1 teaspoon dry herbs)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut neck off from squash.
Peel squash.
Resting squash on its base, may have to slice 1/2 inch off bottom, cut squash lengthwise in half, creating two steaks.
Heat oil in large heavy skillet (cast iron is great) over medium heat.
Cook squash steaks, turning every 3 minutes, until browned on both sides and fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Add butter, herbs and garlic, tilting pan to pool the butter on one side.
Use large spoon to continually baste steaks with butter.
Baste until butter is no longer bubbling, approximately 1 minute.
Remove from heat.
Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.

Serves 2
*Note: can substitute with non-dairy butter
Inspired by a recipe from Bon Appetit

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Medium butternut squash; halved, seeds removed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350°.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place butternut squash halves on baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with chili powder and cumin.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove squash from oven and drizzle with maple syrup.
Return squash to oven.
Bake 10 more minutes, or until squash is tender.
Slice squash halves into thin slices.

Serves 6-8

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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons nondairy butter
1 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red lentils, picked over and rinsed
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Cilantro oil

1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Soup

Heat oil with butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat until foam subsides.
Cook squash, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir in curry powder and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes.
Add lentils and water and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, about 1 hour.
Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Cilantro oil

Purée cilantro, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender.
Serve soup drizzled with cilantro oil.

Note: Soup, without cilantro oil, can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.

Serves 4-6

 

 

 

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3 pounds butternut squash
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon organic butter substitute
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
32 ounce container vegetable broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup non-dairy milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Peel and seed the squash. Cut squash into 1 inch cubes and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and the pepper, toss to coat.
Spread in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes. Stir the squash and continue to roast until softened, about 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat the butter substitute and the remaining oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and sage and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
Add the broth, 2 cups of water, the remaining salt, and the squash. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender.
Add non-dairy milk and puree until smooth.
Return soup to the pot and warm over medium heat.

Serves 6-8

Note: To make preparation easier, use already cut-up butternut squash. Can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.

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1 medium butternut squash
1 medium onion, cut into small wedges, about 1 inch wide
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sage, dried
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 400°.

Peel squash. (A sturdy vegetable peeler works best.)
Using a heavy knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise.
Scoop out and discard the seeds.
Cut squash into 1 inch cubes.
Place in a medium mixing bowl.
Add the onion, canola oil, salt, nutmeg, sage, and pepper.
Mix the vegetables and spices until well coated.
Place the squash mixture in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, about
45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The squash should be firm, but not mushy.
Remove the pan from oven and add the cranberries and nuts, if using.
Toss lightly to blend.

Serves 4-6

Note: Oregano can be substituted for the sage.

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1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 kabocha squash, remove seeds and
cut into 1/2″ cubes (peel only
if not organic.) Butternut squash can also be used
15 ounce can organic black beans (low sodium, if available)
1/4 cup slivered or sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
Salt, pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, prepare couscous according to package, then set
aside.
In large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium heat. Add chopped garlic and saute until fragrant. Add chopped onion and saute until onions are soft and transparent, about 5 minutes.
Add squash cubes and saute for additional 3-4 minutes. Add vegetable
broth, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until squash
is fork tender, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overcook
the squash or it will turn to mush.
Once squash is tender, add beans and cooked couscous to pan and mix
together.
Remove from heat. Add almonds, basil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and
remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Mix thoroughly and serve hot.

Note: This is a fairly dry couscous. If you prefer a dish that is more moist, squeeze some fresh orange juice over it… Leftovers are really good this way!