Indian spiced butternut squash (or pumpkin)

 

This is another lovely recipe from Food, Glorious Food by Patrick Holford.  If you are using pumpkin for this recipe, use a small one, rather than the large watery-fleshed ones used for carving Halloween lanterns.  We loved these and other people seem to love them too.  Great hot, warm or at room temperature as an accompaniment to lots of green vegetables and some form of protein (e.g. beans, pulses, meat, fish).

 

 

 

For 4

950g pumpkin or a large butternut squash, washed but unpeeled
Level tsp turmeric
Rounded tsp ground cumin
Rounded tsp ground coriander
Half level tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt
2 tbs (140g tin) tomato puree
1 tbsp olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 200C(or 180C for a fan oven).
2. Cut the squash or pumpkin in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds and pulp with a spoon.  For the squash, cut each half into 4, lengthways, so you have 8 long pieces.  If using pumpkin, aim to cut into lengthways wedges about 3cm thick.
3. Mix the turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, tomato puree and oil together in a bowl, then rub the paste all over the squash or pumpkin until evenly coated.
4. Place the squash in a roasting dish and cook for 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is soft when pierced or squashed, removing from the oven halfway through to turn the pieces over.Serving ideas:
   Use as an accompaniment to my chickpea and cauliflower curry for a filling meal.
   Substitute for baked potatoes as an accompaniment for meat, fish or a salad
   Cut the leftovers into bite sized chunks and mix with salad and beans, fish, meat or eggs for a healthy lunch or lunchbox.Why this is good for you:
   All orange vegetables are rich in beta carotene, which helps give your skin an attractive golden glow.  The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, needed to protect against infections and for good vision and healthy skin.  the peels contain valuable fibre which is also good for digestion and skin.  Herbs and spices are powerful antioxidants, which fight inflammatory conditions like eczema, Crohn’s, colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.   Squash or pumpkin is a healthier alternative to potatoes as it contains more nutrients, more fibre and less (natural) sugar.