I attempt to not play favorites with my greens however I may dwell on winter squash—a lot in order that I’ve a number of varieties rising in my backyard. Nonetheless, my coronary heart belongs with roasted pink kuri squash.
The Magic of Roasted Squash
Whereas pumpkins are the first consultant of the winter squash we eat, they’re additionally essentially the most annoying. Their powerful exterior and moisture-heavy flesh imply pumpkins are primarily used for his or her puree.
Thinned Pores and skin (a optimistic!)
Pink kuri squash, together with kabocha and delicata, all have skinny skins, which is a optimistic facet of squash. The fragile skins of those kinds of squash imply we don’t should peel them, and we are able to simply take pleasure in all their elements.
Roasted Squash + Texture
These kinds of winter squash even have the benefit of barely decrease moisture content material. This roasted pink kuri squash is a primary instance of this profit. We will dice and slice it, roast it, and have beautiful intact vegetable items excellent for salads, grain bowls, and extra.
Roasting approach (for the most effective roasted squash)
On the subject of roasting squash, undercooking is the most important problem I see individuals have. Roasted squash has two completely different cooked phases: a softer, just-browned stage and a firmer, quite-brown stage. Usually, individuals pull their squash on the first, softer stage. That is nice when you’re utilizing roasted squash in a dish. Nonetheless, when you’re on the lookout for the squash to carry up in a dish like this, you’ll wish to go away it roast for longer.
Make it a Meal
Hummus Bowl
Unfold a little bit of hummus within the backside of a low bowl. Prime along with your favourite cooked grains, this squash, and a fried or soft-boiled egg.
Salad
Add the roasted pink kuri squash to the lettuce. From there, deal with it like a salad bar and add no matter you want. I typically add cooked beans, leftover grains I might need readily available, and cheese (comparable to crumbled feta). I’ll depend on the smoked paprika oil to behave as a little bit of dressing however will add a splash extra vinegar and even lemon juice.
Pasta Salad
Much like the salad, make the recipe as written besides lower the squash into smaller items. Whereas the squash is roasting, prepare dinner your pasta based on the instructions and drain. Whereas the pasta and squash are nonetheless heat, toss along with a little bit of grated parmesan.
- 1 (1.4 kg) pink kuri squash
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) sunflower oil
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Ending salt
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For the squash: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Scoop the seeds from the squash and discard them. Reduce the squash into ¼”-thick slices. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment and add the olive oil and salt. Toss to coat, then roast for 40-45 minutes, till tender and browned.
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For the oil: Warmth a small, dry skillet over medium-low warmth. Add the coriander seeds and toast till aromatic, 2-3 minutes. Take away from the skillet and crush utilizing a mortar and pestle. Return the skillet to medium-low warmth and add the sunflower oil. When the oil is heat, take away the skillet from warmth and stir within the smoked paprika. Let relaxation till the squash is completed roasting.
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To assemble: As soon as the squash is roasted, stir the crushed coriander seeds, sesame seeds, and vinegar into the smoked paprika oil. Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of the oil over the squash whereas nonetheless on the baking sheet and toss to coat. Switch the squash to a serving bowl and drizzle with a bit extra of the oil. End with a sprinkle of salt earlier than serving.
Herbs: Add cilantro or parsley proper earlier than serving for a recent addition.
Squash various: This dish is nice with candy potato wedges or different kinds of squash, comparable to kabocha or delicata.
