Roasted Butternut Squash and Artichoke Bruschetta. Crusty grilled bread topped with sweet cumin roasted butternut squash, artichokes cooked in the oven until soft, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This vegan appetizer is perfect for soirees and parties. Included is a video that shows how to roast butternut squash and how to cut and prepare artichokes to cook in the oven.
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Hey, we are mid week already!!
If you are an optimist (which I am sure you are), you are thinking you are halfway through to the weekend. So true!! Shouldn't we celebrate? I say we should with this Roasted Butternut Squash and Artichoke Bruschetta.
I simply LOVE Butternut Squash. It's a beautiful vegetable. For those who haven't had one, it is the closest in taste to red or orange pumpkin, but slightly firmer in texture. You can replace butternut squash with pumpkin too. But I love the texture of a butternut squash. And roasting it brings out the sweetness of the squash. I kept the flavor profile very simple, just red chilli and cumin. The red chilli brought a nice heat to the otherwise sweet squash and the cumin added a little earthy flavor that worked wonderfully with the sweet squash. The little cubes are so tasty, you won't stop eating them while cooking, so make a little more than you would like to serve. Your own secret stash.
Next in, the Artichokes. This is not something very regularly available in India. I happened to find it stocked in the supermarket near my house and I couldn't resist buying it. Good decision, though. The last time I had cooked artichokes, Raj was totally unimpressed. He almost forbade me to buy them this time. But after this time, I may have at least converted him to tolerating them. I almost steamed the artichokes in the oven and they turned out all soft and melt in your mouth texture, that was really appetizing. I absolutely loved them with just salt and olive oil. Gee preferred adding in some Italian seasoning. Season the artichokes according to your taste.
Good quality crusty bread works best for a Bruschetta, but you can use what you have. You can even use crackers.
This Roasted Butternut Squash and Artichoke Bruschetta is a perfect snack or appetizer that you can serve for a Sunday Brunch, or Friday night Cocktails, or a just a soiree with friends. It is also something that you can prepare in advance, so you can leave your hair loose and enjoy with your family and friends and just accept the compliments that will come your way. Happy celebrating!
If you like this recipe, do not forget to share it with your friends and family!
Video Recipe
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Butternut Squash and Artichoke Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer in which crusty grilled bread is topped with sweet cumin roasted butternut squash, artichokes cooked in the oven until soft, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This vegan appetizer is perfect for soirees and partiesRecipe Type: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 hours
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-5
Ingredients:
2 Baguettes
1 Butternut Squash
2 Artichokes
0.5 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Cumin Powder
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
2-3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Salt to taste
Water as required
1 Lime or Lemon
2 Tbsp freshly cracked Pepper
Method:
1. Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Dice it into bite sized pieces of about 1 cm.
2. Add salt, red chilli powder, cumin powder and 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil and mix well.
3. Layer them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 220 degree Celsius or until soft.
4. In the meanwhile, prepare the artichokes. In a large bowl, take water and add lime juice to it and keep close by. Acidulated water prevents artichokes from browning.
5. Cut the top of the artichoke and remove the tough outer leaves. Keep dipping the artichoke in lime water to avoid browning.
6. Trim the stem and cut the artichoke into half and soak it in the lime water.
7. Once all the artichokes are prepped, place them in a baking pan and drizzle olive oil and salt over them. Use your fingers to rub the salt and oil into the artichokes.
8. Add water to the pan and cover with aluminium foil.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until soft in an oven at 220 degree Celsius.
10. Allow the artichokes to cool a little and either chop them or separate the individual leaves.
11. Slice the baguettes and grill them or toast them until crisp.
12. Top with the artichokes and butternut squash.
13. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly cracked pepper for taste.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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