Butternut Squash Gratin

This recipe is based on the classic potato gratin. However I love the nutty flavor of this squash and if you believe those that think potato is not a healthy vegetable (personally I think the humble spud is much maligned) it is a great alternative. 

Ingredients

1 Medium Butternut Squash
1 Medium Onion
ground black pepper

For the cheese sauce
200g Grated Cheddar Cheese  
400mls milk
Teaspoon of English mustard
35g butter
35g plain flour
salt and pepper to season



Method

peel the butternut squash, I use a speed peeler but you can use a knife just try not to waste too much of the squash. slice into 1-2mm slices. Peel and slice the onion. Place the squash and the onion into a microwave proof bowl and cook on full power until the vegetables start to soften just a little.

Now prepare your cheese sauce which I make using the all in one method. Place all the ingredients apart from the cheese into your sauce pan and gently start to heat it up while siring with a whisk, don't worry as you are starting from cold and whisking as it heats up all the flour and butter will combine with the milk and not go lumpy. As the sauce thickens and the ingredients combine you can replace the whisk with wooden spoon. At this stage you can start to stir in the grated cheese and continue to stir in until smooth, if you feel its a little thick you can add a drop more milk, but not too much as the vegetables will release water during cooking. Allow the sauce too cool a little before assembling.

Now you can start to build your gratin, in a oven proof dish put a little of the sauce on the base to hold the first layer of the squash, add a layer of onion and season with a few grinds of pepper, then add a layer of cheese sauce, continue until all the vegetables are used and complete with a final layer of the sauce, you can add a little extra grated cheese on top if you wish.

Now cover with foil and bake in the oven Gas 4-5 180C for about 1 and a Half hours removing the foil for the last 20 minutes to allow the top to go golden brown.

Serve with steamed vegetables or a salad and enjoy.