ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SAGE

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SAGE image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
1 bunch fresh sage
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Halve squash lengthwise and peel; remove seeds and pulp with a spoon. Place flat side down on cutting board and slice into half-moon pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. Chop enough sage to equal 1 tablespoon; set aside remaining sprigs. Combine squash, chopped sage, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread out in a single layer on a large jellyroll pan. Turning once halfway through, roast squash 30 to 35 minutes, until tender and caramelized. Meanwhile, line a large plate with paper towels. Remove stems from remaining sage. Pour 1/2 cup olive oil into a small skillet over medium heat. Fry 1/3 of sage leaves 20 to 30 seconds, until crisp. Remove from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat process with remaining sage. Arrange squash on a platter and garnish with fried sage leaves.