**Honeynuts: The Premier Relatives of Butternuts**
If you’re fond of butternut squash but think it’s a bit too big for your cooking requirements, honeynut squash makes for an ideal substitute. This charming, smaller squash is not just sweeter but also simpler to prepare, winning the hearts of chefs and home cooks alike.
### What is Honeynut Squash?
Honeynut squash is a diminutive, sweeter variant of butternut squash, created by chef Dan Barber and squash breeder Michael Mazourek. This distinctive squash is often termed a “unicorn squash” because of its scarcity and delightful taste. Although they are becoming more prevalent in supermarkets, they are mainly found at farmers’ markets and specialty shops.
Honeynuts are not only adorable but also remarkably versatile. They possess smooth, tender flesh without the fibrous texture that larger squashes often have. When roasted, they acquire a caramelized, malty taste that enhances their inherent sweetness.
### How to Roast Honeynut Squash
Roasting honeynut squash is straightforward and brings out its most exquisite flavors. Here’s a brief guide:
1. **Heat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. **Prepare the Squash**: Clean and dry the honeynuts, then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds.
3. **Roast**: Drizzle the halved sides with oil and season with salt and pepper. Position them cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
### Flavor Profile
Honeynut squash boasts a rich, sweet, and nutty taste, with nuances of caramel and malt. It is frequently viewed as the perfect squash, containing twice the amount of beta-carotene compared to butternut squash, making it a healthy option as well.
### Where to Buy Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash is generally in season from late September to early October. You can discover them at local farmers’ markets, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and sometimes at regular grocery stores. Their popularity is on the rise, so keep an eye out for them!
### Selecting the Best Squash
When selecting honeynut squash, search for those that are completely orange with no green spots. The squash should be firm with no soft areas, and it’s advisable to choose ones with the stem still attached. They can remain fresh for a couple of months in a cool, dark area, but should be eaten when they start to wrinkle.
### Cooking Methods
The optimal way to savor honeynut squash is by roasting it, which amplifies its sweet flavors. However, you can also prepare it on the stovetop or incorporate it into various recipes, such as pasta.
### Edibility of the Skin
One of the significant benefits of honeynut squash is that the skin is consumable, much like delicata squash. This means peeling is unnecessary, simplifying preparation even further.
### Honeynut Squash vs. Butternut Squash
Honeynut squash is simpler to prepare than butternut squash, as it demands less peeling and chopping. Its tender texture allows for effortless slicing, and the edible skin provides convenience.
### Alternatives to Honeynut Squash
If honeynut squash is unavailable, butternut squash serves as the closest substitute, though it’s slightly less sweet and marginally stringier. Other winter squashes can also be utilized in recipes that call for honeynut squash.
### Recipe: Honeynut Squash with Honeyed Walnuts
This recipe accentuates the sweetness of honeynut squash alongside honeyed walnuts for a delightful dish.
**Ingredients**:
– 1 honeynut squash
– 1 shallot, thinly sliced
– 2 tsp vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp cucumber, shredded
– Pinch of ground cumin
**Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Halve the honeynut squash, scoop out the seeds, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. While roasting, pickle the shallots in vinegar and sugar. In a pan, melt butter and honey, add walnuts, and caramelize.
3. Combine yogurt, cucumber, and cumin. Serve the roasted squash garnished with pickled shallots and honeyed walnuts.
Honeynut squash is a delightful addition to any dish, presenting a sweet, nutritious choice that is easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, honeynut squash is guaranteed to impress!