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Caramelized Butternut Squash, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potato

with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

 Time & Yield

  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 35–45 minutes
  • Serves: 4–6

 Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 cups butternut squash (peeled, cubed)
  • 2 cups sweet potato (cubed)
  • 1½ cups carrots (sliced diagonally)
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts (halved)

For Roasting

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Cranberry-Honey Glaze

  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings

  • ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • ⅓ cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper

2. Season the Vegetables

In a large bowl:

  • Toss squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with:
    • olive oil
    • salt
    • pepper
    • paprika
    • garlic powder
    • balsamic vinegar

Spread evenly on tray (don’t overcrowd).


3. Roast

  • Roast for 25 minutes, flip/stir
  • Roast another 15–20 minutes until:
    • golden brown
    • caramelized edges
    • fork tender

4. Make the Glaze

In a small pan:

  • Combine cranberries, honey, maple syrup, lemon juice, water, salt
  • Simmer 3–5 minutes until:
    • slightly thick
    • cranberries soften

Optional: lightly mash some cranberries for texture.


5. Toast the Walnuts

  • Heat a dry pan over medium heat
  • Toast walnuts 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently
  • Remove once fragrant

6. Assemble

  • Transfer roasted veggies to serving dish
  • Drizzle glaze over warm vegetables
  • Sprinkle:
    • feta
    • toasted walnuts
    • parsley

Serve warm.


 Nut Information (Walnuts)

Nutritional Highlights

Walnuts are rich in:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (heart health)
  • Protein
  • Fiber
  • Antioxidants

Allergy Information

  • Walnuts are tree nuts, a common allergen
  • People with tree nut allergies should avoid this ingredient

Substitutes (Nut-Free Options)

If avoiding nuts:

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Omit entirely

Flavor Alternatives

  • Pecans → sweeter, buttery
  • Almonds → firmer crunch
  • Hazelnuts → deeper roasted flavor

 Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes. Replace:

  • Feta → vegan feta or omit
  • Honey → use maple syrup or agave

Q2: Why aren’t my vegetables caramelizing?

Likely causes:

  • Overcrowded tray → they steam instead of roast
  • Oven too cool → use high heat (220°C)
  • Too much moisture → pat veggies dry before roasting

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes:

  • Chop vegetables up to 1 day ahead
  • Make glaze ahead and refrigerate
  • Reheat at 180°C for 10–15 minutes before serving

Q4: Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes, but:

  • Add extra honey or sugar (they’re more tart)
  • Cook slightly longer (5–7 minutes)

Q5: What protein pairs well with this?

  • Grilled chicken
  • Roast lamb
  • Baked salmon
  • Lentils or quinoa (for vegetarian meal)

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

  • Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days
  • Reheat in oven (best texture) or microwave

Q7: Can I air-fry instead of roast?

Yes:

  • 200°C for ~15–20 minutes
  • Shake basket halfway

Q8: Is this dish healthy?

Yes, it’s:

  • High in fiber
  • Rich in vitamins (A, C)
  • Contains healthy fats (walnuts, olive oil)
  • Balanced sweet-savory profile
Sara Mitchell

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