2 min read

Ras el Hanout Roasted Squash

Overhead shot of Ras el Hanout Roasted Squash plated appetizingly in a baking tray
PrebioticVeganGluten-FreeHigh-Fiber
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time35 min
Total Time50 min
Servings4

Ras el hanout means "head of the shop" in Moroccan spice markets, a blend of whatever spices a vendor considers their best, and it usually lands somewhere between floral, earthy and warm. Rubbed onto wedges of butternut squash and roasted hot, it forms a deeply caramelized crust that plays well against a cooling yogurt drizzle and crunchy pistachios. If squash is your gateway vegetable this time of year, roasted acorn squash with sage and pecans and dukkah crusted roasted beets are worth trying next.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp ras el hanout spice blend
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash wedges with olive oil, ras el hanout, honey and salt on a sheet pan.
  2. Roast 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply caramelized and fork-tender.
  3. Whisk yogurt with lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
  4. Spread yogurt across a serving plate and arrange roasted squash on top.
  5. Scatter pistachios and pomegranate seeds over everything before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 230
Total fat 13g
Total carbohydrates 27g
Dietary fiber 5g
Protein 5g
Sodium 160mg

Why This Is Good for Your Gut

Winter squash contains a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber alongside pectin, feeding beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium while also adding bulk that supports regularity. The cardamom and fennel seed typically found in ras el hanout have documented carminative effects, easing gas and bloating, and the yogurt topping contributes live cultures on top of the fiber load. Some of these spices, along with the honey, can push this dish outside a strict low-FODMAP pattern — see The Low-FODMAP Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide if that's something you're managing.

Squash finally gets the spice cabinet it deserves.

This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

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