Recipe: Butternut Squash Dip - Dairy Free, Gluten Free Holiday Appetizer

We know it's hard to find the time or motivation to cook sometimes. We've got you covered with our prepared meal delivery of breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. But when the holidays come around, or you are having a special socially distant soirée — Zoom happy hour — you finally have a chance to step into the kitchen. Our whole team is excited to celebrate with friends and family. Like you, we're all a bunch of foodies at heart. A few weeks ago we shared the recipe for Golden Milk Oats - one of our client favorite and heartwarming dishes off our weekly menu of clean eats.

Our Executive Chef, Serafina Alonso, is delighted to feature another easy to make version of her go-to appetizer recipe for the season - Butternut Squash Dip. Fiber, potassium and vitamin B rich, butternut squash is one of the most widely used vegetables in a dairy-free, gluten-free diet. Its nutty flavor and creamy texture allow it to be used as a base for soups, sauces, and more. Don't let its hard exterior scare you away. Once you've worked with it, it will quickly become a regular in dishes you prepare for holiday parties.

Provenance Meals - Recipe - Butternut Squash Dip - Dairy Free Gluten Free Holiday Appetizer.jpg

Recipe - Butternut Squash Dip

1 large butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 yellow onion - thinly sliced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
Sea salt, to taste

  1. Preheat over to 425° F. Toss squash with 1/4 cup of the olive oil, chili flakes, and a large pinch of salt. Roast 20-25 minutes or until tender.

  2. While the squash is cooking, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, stirring, and cook until they begin to soften, about 15 minutes. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, and reduce until thick like a jam, 15-30 minutes.

  3. Add the onion mixture to the cooked squash, and blend in a food processor until smooth. Taste and season with more salt or chili if desired.

  4. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve with sliced vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, or radishes) and gluten-free crackers. Our favorite brands are Mary's Gone Crackers and Simple Mills.