I strive to not play favorites with my greens however I might 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 crimson kuri squash.
The Magic of Roasted Squash
Whereas pumpkins are the first consultant of the winter squash we eat, they’re additionally probably the most annoying. Their robust exterior and moisture-heavy flesh imply pumpkins are primarily used for his or her puree.
Thinned Pores and skin (a constructive!)
Crimson kuri squash, together with kabocha and delicata, all have skinny skins, which is a constructive facet of squash. The fragile skins of those forms of squash imply we don’t need to peel them, and we will simply get pleasure from all their components.
Roasted Squash + Texture
These forms of winter squash even have the benefit of barely decrease moisture content material. This roasted crimson kuri squash is a chief instance of this profit. We are able to dice and slice it, roast it, and have beautiful intact vegetable items excellent for salads, grain bowls, and extra.
Roasting method (for the perfect roasted squash)
In terms of roasting squash, undercooking is the most important challenge I see individuals have. Roasted squash has two totally different cooked phases: a softer, just-browned stage and a firmer, quite-brown stage. Typically, individuals pull their squash on the first, softer stage. That is high quality in case you’re utilizing roasted squash in a dish. Nonetheless, in case you’re searching 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 crimson kuri squash to the lettuce. From there, deal with it like a salad bar and add no matter you want. I usually add cooked beans, leftover grains I may need available, and cheese (akin 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 in keeping with 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) crimson 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. Minimize 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 contemporary addition.
Squash various: This dish is nice with candy potato wedges or other forms of squash, akin to kabocha or delicata.
