Name: Roasted Delicata Squash
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: 3 delicata squashes (12 to 16 ounces each), ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise ½ inch thick; 4 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Why This Recipe Works

Roasting brings out the naturally sweet and toasty flavor of delicata squash. Its skin softens when cooked, so unlike many winter squashes, it doesn't need to be peeled. For this recipe, we spread sliced squash on a rimmed baking sheet, then cover the sheet tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure that each bite of squash cooks up creamy and moist. Putting the sheet on the oven's lowest rack gets the slices close to the heating element, which speeds up cooking and browning.

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Before You Begin

To ensure that the flesh cooks evenly, choose squashes that are similar in size and shape. Delicata have thin, edible skin that needn't be removed; simply use a vegetable peeler to pare away any tough brown blemishes. You can substitute chives for parsley, if desired. Serve the roasted delicata squash as is or drizzled with Basque-Style Herb Sauce (Tximitxurri), Goat Cheese and Chive Sauce, or Spicy Honey.

Make Ahead: Squash can be trimmed, halved, seeded, and sliced up to 24 hours ahead.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Toss 3 delicata squashes (ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise ½ inch thick) with 4 teaspoons vegetable oil and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated. Arrange squash on rimmed baking sheet in single layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until squash is tender when pierced with tip of paring knife, 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue to bake until sides touching sheet are golden brown, 8 to 11 minutes longer. Remove sheet from oven and, using thin metal spatula, flip squash. Scatter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces, over squash. Return to oven and continue to bake until side touching sheet is golden brown, 8 to 11 minutes longer. Transfer squash to serving platter, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon minced parsley, and serve.