This October our recipe of the month has taken on a Halloween feel as our chosen cookbook is ‘I heart Pumpkin’ full of comforting recipes for cooking with winter squash. We’ve hand-picked this scrumptious recipe for Butternut Squash & Sage Mac & Cheese to share with you.
Earthy sage and sweet butternut squash are a match made in heaven – and they taste even better topped with lashings of cream and melted cheese. This comforting dish is perfect served as a main meal or as an accompaniment to roasted meats.
• 500 g/1 lb. macaroni
• 1 large (or 1 kg/7 cups) butternut squash, skinned, deseeded and cubed
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 30 g/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 650 ml/2¾ cups double/heavy cream
• leaves from a few sprigs of fresh sage, finely chopped
• 100 g/1½ cups grated Padano or Parmesan
• 100 g/1½ cups grated Cheddar cheese
• 50 g/1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
SERVES 6–8
Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Gas 6.
Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss to coat lightly. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until just charred. Remove the squash from the oven and put it in a very large bowl. Season lightly with salt and set aside.
Heat the butter and the remaining oil in a large saucepan. Add the shallots and cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes, or until golden, stirring occasionally. Add the cream, sage and a good pinch of salt and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Add the cheeses and stir well to melt.
Preheat the grill/broiler to medium–hot.
Put the cooked macaroni in the bowl with the squash. Pour over the hot cream sauce and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with a good grinding of black pepper and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Grill/broil for 5–10 minutes until the top is crunchy and golden brown. Serve immediately.
If this mouth-watering recipe has inspired you to try some more recipes from I heart pumpkin
head over to our giveaway page to win a copy. Alternatively, you can buy your copy HERE + Free UK delivery.
Credit info:
I Heart Pumpkin
Comforting Recipes for Cooking with Winter Squash