The harmony of caramelized butternut squash with the sweet bite of roasted red onions makes this dish a fall favorite. It’s elevated with a nutty, lemony tahini drizzle that complements the natural sugars in the roasted vegetables. This combination of textures and flavors hits every note sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy all balanced with a warm touch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of za’atar. This is the kind of dish that can easily take center stage at a dinner party or act as a comforting side for a weeknight meal. It’s not only stunning in presentation but also incredibly simple to make with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based dish for the holidays or just want to enjoy seasonal produce at its best, this recipe brings out the richness of nature’s bounty in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into wedges
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2 red onions, cut into thick wedges
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
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3 tablespoons tahini
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 small garlic clove, minced
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2 tablespoons warm water (adjust as needed)
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
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1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
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1 tablespoon za’atar spice
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place the butternut squash and red onions on a large baking sheet.
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Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat evenly.
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Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
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In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and warm water until smooth and pourable.
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Arrange the roasted squash and onions on a serving platter.
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Drizzle the tahini sauce over the top.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley, pine nuts, and za’atar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Celebration of Seasonal Simplicity
When it comes to wholesome, seasonal cooking, few dishes encapsulate autumn quite like roasted butternut squash. This hearty, naturally sweet vegetable becomes a culinary star when oven-roasted to perfection alongside vibrant red onions. Drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce and finished with Middle Eastern spices and toasted nuts, this dish offers a balance of rustic earthiness and refined flavor.
Originating from the celebrated culinary style of chef Yotam Ottolenghi, this particular preparation of roasted butternut squash embraces both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The recipe is elegant in its simplicity, yet sophisticated in its final presentation. It’s perfect as a plant-based main, a hearty side dish, or a warm salad alternative. Best of all, the ingredients are readily available, making it an accessible dish for home cooks of any level.
The Beauty of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the most beloved cold-weather vegetables. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor intensifies when roasted, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with savory ingredients. Rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and essential vitamins like A, C, and E, it’s a nutrient-dense addition to any diet.
Its versatility makes it suitable for roasting, pureeing, or stuffing, but this recipe showcases its potential in its most unadulterated form. When roasted, its sugars caramelize on the edges, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that complements bold spices and creamy toppings. It’s no surprise that butternut squash is often seen as a cornerstone of fall cuisine.
The Supporting Cast: Red Onions, Tahini, and Za’atar
Complementing the squash in this dish are red onions, which bring their own distinct flavor profile. When roasted, red onions lose their pungency and develop a subtle sweetness that deepens the dish’s flavor. Their purple hue also adds a beautiful visual contrast to the warm orange of the squash, enhancing the overall presentation.
The tahini dressing is what truly elevates this dish from simple roasted vegetables to something extraordinary. Tahini made from ground sesame seeds is rich, creamy, and slightly nutty. When mixed with lemon juice and garlic, it transforms into a luscious sauce that balances the sweetness of the vegetables with acidity and depth.
Sprinkled over the top is za’atar, a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend typically consisting of thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac. This aromatic topping not only adds complexity but also ties the dish back to its regional inspiration.
To finish, toasted pine nuts add crunch, while fresh herbs such as parsley contribute color and freshness, making every bite texturally and visually satisfying.
Health Benefits of the Dish
This dish is a powerhouse of nutrition, delivering fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein in a delicious format. Butternut squash is low in calories but high in antioxidants, while tahini brings in calcium, iron, and magnesium. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and garlic provides immune-boosting properties.
What makes this dish even more appealing is that it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It fits a variety of dietary lifestyles, making it perfect for holiday tables, potlucks, or intimate family dinners where diverse dietary needs need to be considered.
Versatility in Presentation
One of the most appealing features of this roasted butternut squash dish is its flexibility. It can be served in numerous ways depending on the occasion:
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As a Main Course: Serve it over a bed of grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous for a filling and complete meal. Add some chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
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As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside roast meats, baked fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread.
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As a Salad Base: Cool the roasted vegetables slightly and toss them with arugula, kale, or baby spinach for a warm fall salad.
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In Mezze Platters: Include it with hummus, tabbouleh, olives, and flatbread for a beautiful Middle Eastern-style appetizer board.
Perfect for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep
This dish also earns high marks for convenience. The components can be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge. The tahini sauce keeps well for several days, and the roasted vegetables can be gently reheated or served at room temperature. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, office lunches, or stress-free holiday gatherings.
If you’re entertaining, prepare everything in the morning and assemble the platter just before serving. The vibrant colors and aromatic seasoning ensure that this dish always looks as impressive as it tastes.
A Dish That Invites Creativity
The core ingredients in this recipe provide a blank canvas for culinary creativity. You can add pomegranate seeds for a burst of tart sweetness and color, or a sprinkle of feta for a creamy, salty counterpoint (if dairy is not an issue). Swap pine nuts for almonds or pistachios, or add a dash of chili oil for a spicy twist. The versatility of this dish allows you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs without losing its essence.
Conclusion:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Red Onion and Tahini is a dish that transcends seasons and cuisines. Its harmonious balance of textures and flavors makes it satisfying to the senses, while its wholesome ingredients make it a nourishing option for any meal. Rooted in simplicity, but elevated with global inspiration, this recipe reminds us that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply exploring new plant-based recipes, this dish is a standout. It’s a love letter to seasonal produce, a tribute to culinary creativity, and a celebration of everything comforting and beautiful in autumn cooking.