Appetizer Vegetarian · Dairy-free · Gluten Free · Vegan · Vegetable sides · Vegetable-related · Whole30 compliant

Roasted butternut squash and red onion with tahini, pine nuts and za’atar

I made this recipe tonight, adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe and it’s absolutely wonderful with such interesting flavors. Well worth trying!

Serves 4-6

1 large butternut squash (around 2lbs worth), cut into 1/2″ by 3″ wedges
2 red onions, cut into eighths or 1/2″ wedges
6 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3.5 tbsp tahini, or more as needed
3 tbsp water, or more as needed
1.5 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, minced
2oz raw pine nuts
1 tbsp za’atar
3 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Warm a serving platter.
Position a baking rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the squash and onion and 6 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1 tbsp  Kosher salt, 6 good twists of the pepper grinder, and toss to combine.
Spread the vegetables out on a large, rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through with a little char. (Keep an eye on the onion: If it starts to burn before the squash is cooked, you may need to remove it before the squash.

Remove from the oven.

While the vegetables are roasting, in a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt until the sauce is the consistency of honey. You might need to add more water or tahini, depending on the consistency.

In a small skillet over medium-low heat, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil until shimmering. Add the pine nuts and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring often until the nuts are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small plate to cool. Keep the oil too

To serve, spread the vegetables out on the warmed serving platter and drizzle with the tahini sauce. Sprinkle the pine nuts and their oil on top, and garnish with the za’atar and parsley. Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt and serve.