Roasted Kabocha

This recipe takes 45 minutes to complete and serves 8 to 10 people.

Cookbook author Melissa Clark likes giving slices of roasted winter squash a little wake-up, so she roasts them with maple syrup, olive oil, fresh ginger, and thyme. It’s a simple idea, but the combination of flavors highlights the squash in the best feasible way. Another bonus: The recipe can easily be prepared and served at room temperature. If you have a silicone baking mat, use it here to make clean up a cinch.

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Ingredients

• 3 pounds kabocha squash—peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger

• 6 thyme sprigs, plus thyme leaves for garnish

• Salt

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 450°. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash wedges with maple syrup, olive oil, ginger, thyme sprigs, and salt. Arrange the squash in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes. Flip and roast for 15 minutes longer, until golden and tender. Discard the thyme sprigs. Transfer the squash to a serving platter and garnish with thyme leaves.

The squash can be made up to 6 hours ahead.