Spiced Winter Squash with Fennel
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This vibrant spiced winter squash with fennel is a beautiful vegan side dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of roasted seasonal vegetables. By roasting the butternut squash and fennel at a high temperature, the edges become deliciously caramelised while the centres remain tender. The addition of aromatic cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric provides a warming depth of flavour that perfectly complements the subtle aniseed notes of the fennel.
Hearty and naturally gluten-free, this vegetable traybake is an excellent addition to a winter Sunday roast or served as a light main alongside some nutty quinoa or couscous. The recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just one tray and a handful of shop-bought spices, making it a reliable choice for healthy midweek entertaining or a nutritious family dinner.
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Ingredients for Spiced Winter Squash with Fennel
1 675g butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, halved crosswise, then cut lengthwise into 3/4-inch-wide wedges
1 fennel bulb, trimmed, cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide wedges
1 large onion, root end left intact, then cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-wide wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1/2 teaspoons turmeric
How to make Spiced Winter Squash with Fennel
Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 232°C. Combine squash, fennel, and onion on heavy large rimmed baking sheet. Add oil and toss to coat. Mix all spices in small bowl to blend. Sprinkle spice mixture over vegetables and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and generous amount of pepper. Roast until vegetables are tender and browned, turning once, about 45 minutes. Transfer to shallow dish and serve.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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