An Inspired Cook

Do you go savory or sweet when it comes to butternut squash?  I am definitely the savory type.  I like the buttery saltiness that comes from these fries.  The natural sugars caramelize during the baking process and release the most wonderful flavors.  They have a harder exterior which makes it more difficult to peel and slice but well worth the effort.  Make a lot because they shrink when baked.  It takes a little more time to get that crispy outer texture but it can be achieved.  Since I’m in the minority when it comes to these vitamin enriched vegetables, I sometimes make a meal of butternut squash fries just for myself.  No need for a fork, just dig in with your fingers and enjoy!

This may be one of the most simple recipes.  You’ll need a medium butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Peel the squash and remove the seeds.  Make a seasoning of 1 teaspoon salt to 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

You can certainly use all of the squash but I have decided to cut the ends off to use for another recipe and make fries from the rest.  The unused squash can be sealed in a zip lock bag and kept in the refrigerator for several days.  It won’t turn brown like a potato will.

I’m a firm believer in softening my oven baked fries before going in the oven. I place the fries in a microwave safe bowl and drizzle with olive oil.  Microwave on high covered for 2 minutes, shake the fries around and microwave an additional 2 minutes covered.  They should be fork tender.

Layer them on a baking sheet or in my case an old cake pan.  Separate them so they are not touching.

Sprinkle with the garlic pepper seasoning and drizzle with olive oil.  Set them to bake at 400 degrees for 15 – 18 minutes on one side.  When you can visibly see them caramelized on the bottom side, turn them over to bake an additional 12 – 15 minutes.

You would think they would make more but as you can see they shrink down to a small serving.  As a side this will definitely feed 2 people but in my house they are all mine!





Butternut Squash Fries

1 medium Butternut Squash
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Peel the butternut squash.  Cut in two and remove the seeds.  Cut squash into fries and place in a microwave safe bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Microwave covered on high 2 minutes.  Shake the fries around and microwave an additional 2 minutes.

Place fries single file on a baking pan so they are not touching.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic pepper seasoning.  Bake at 400 degrees 15 – 18 minutes.  When the fries begin to brown and caramelize on the bottom, turn the fries over to bake an additional 12 – 15 minutes on the other side.

Taste and season with additional garlic pepper seasoning if desired.

Makes 2 servings.