Curried Butternut Squash Gratin

This is a Giada recipe taken to another level - a curried level! I find that many of the recipes on foodnetwork do not cater towards the eastern palette. Butternut squash can be fairly bland without a good amount of spices. I also thought her recipe was overcomplicated, so below is a simplified version. Trader Joe's has all of these ingredients and their basil pesto is in a jar and very delicious.

Curried Butternut Squash Gratin
Serves 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

1 package of chopped and peeled butternut squash
2 tbsp of powdered garam masala
1 jar of basil pesto
1 cup (12 oz) of shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 tbsp of butter, cut into small peices
Salt
Fresh ground black pepper

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
(1) Boil the butternut squash in a large pot for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure the butternut squash is fork-tender before removing from the boiling water.
(2) Place the butternut squash into large mixing bowl. Add garam masala, salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to mash the squash and spices together. It should have the consistency of mashed potatoes.
(3) Butter an 8-inch baking dish. Add half of the butternut squash mixture to the bottom of the dish. Add half of the jar of pesto on top of the squash in the baking dish. Add half of the parmesan cheese on top of the pesto.
(4) Repeat the layers, so that you end with a layer of parmesan cheese on top. Add the butter pieces along the top of the cheese. It will melt in the oven and create a nice crispy top layer.
(5) Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Enjoy!!