Roasted Kabocha Squash With Pomegranate Pepita Relish Recipes

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH WITH POMEGRANATE PEPITA RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the squash on the sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once during cook time. Note: we do eat the skin of this squash! It's super delicate and gets chewy and wonderful in the oven. If you're not into that, you can certainly peel the squash too.
• To make the goat cheese, place it in the bowl of your food processor with the garlic. Pulse a few times then blend it until it's smooth and no lumps remain. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• To serve, drizzle the squash with the whipped goat cheese. Top with the pomegranate pepita relish and eat!

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place kabocha squash wedges cut-side up in a baking pan. Brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tender when pierced with a knife, 35 to 40 minutes.

MAPLE ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH WITH PEPITAS AND COTIJA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wash the whole squash under running water and pat dry. Cut the squash in half by inserting the tip of a chef's knife in the center of the squash where the stem connects. Push the tip in until it has cut all the way through the skin and flesh, then press down firmly on the handle, bringing the heel of the blade all the way to the cutting board. Turn the squash 180 degrees and repeat on the other side, splitting the squash. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the squash into 1/2-inch-thick wedges and place in a large bowl. Pour the butter and oil over the squash, then season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread the squash out on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until the edges are brown and the squash is tender in the middle, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a platter, drizzle with the syrup and sprinkle with the pepitas and Cotija. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the squashes in half horizontally. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Dice the preserved lemon rind.
• Place the squash halves, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the flesh with olive oil, salt, pepper, diced preserved lemon rind, and a squeeze of lemon. Roast uncovered in the oven, 1 hour.
• Remove the squash from the oven. Cut into large wedges, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or use in Pasta with Roasted Kabocha Squash and Pecorino Romano (see recipe).

OVEN ROASTED SQUASH WITH RICOTTA AND POMEGRANATE SEEDS

Steps:

• For the squash: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cut the squash in half along the equator. Scoop out seeds and discard. Cut into 1 1/2-inch crescent-like slices, then cut the slices in half and place in a large bowl. Add the sage, onions, olive oil, Aleppo pepper, salt and black pepper. Toss, then place in a baking dish. Bake until the squash is caramelized and tender but still holding its shape, about 50 minutes.
• For the garlic confit: Add the garlic and oil to a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, uncovered and undisturbed, about 30 minutes. Cool, then place garlic, half of the oil and 2 tablespoons water in a blender and puree. Set aside.
• For the sweet garlic ricotta: Add the ricotta and 3 tablespoons pureed garlic confit to a bowl and whisk to combine. Season to taste with salt. Set aside.
• Place the squash on a serving platter. Dollop with the sweet garlic ricotta and garnish with the pomegranate seeds.

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and warm the squash (whole) in the oven for 10 minutes, so that it's easier to slice.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Slice the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the ribbing and seeds, and then slice into 1½-inch slices. Divide the slices among the baking sheets, drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and tender. (Note: the skin should be tender and it's edible too.)
• Arrange the roasted squash on a shallow platter. Drizzle with the dressing, and sprinkle with the scallions, sesame seeds, and microgreens. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve.