Sunflower Squash Recipes

MASHED ACORN SQUASH WITH SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Steps:

• Place the acorn squash halves in a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH until the flesh is tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, remove the flesh from the squash and transfer to a large bowl. Add the sour cream, cumin, and garlic powder and mash together with a fork until blended and smooth, adding more sour cream, as necessary, to create a nice consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon the squash onto plates and top with sunflower seeds just before serving.

SHAVED-BUTTERNUT-AND-CARROT SALAD WITH DATES AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, mustard, shallot, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Pour in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly.
• Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, shave squash and carrots into a large bowl. Add dates, sunflower seeds, arugula, and vinaigrette. Toss thoroughly to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

SUNFLOWER SEED "RISOTTO" WITH SQUASH AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Place sunflower seeds in a medium, wide, heavy pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until al dente, 45-55 minutes.
• Strain seeds through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, reserving cooking liquid. Transfer 1 cup cooking liquid and 1 cup seeds to a blender; reserve remaining seeds and discard remaining liquid. Add cream and 2/3 cup Parmesan and blend until very smooth.
• Wipe out pot. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in pot over medium. Add onion, half of garlic, and 4 thyme sprigs. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant and onion begins to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Add reserved sunflower seeds and cook until seeds are toasted, about 1 minute. Add broth and wine and simmer over medium heat until liquid is almost fully reduced and seeds are tender, 15-20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms, 2 thyme sprigs, and remaining garlic and 1 Tbsp. oil and continue cooking until mushrooms and squash are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper and transfer to a plate.
• When broth is almost completely evaporated, add blended seed mixture and cook until sauce thickens, 5-8 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs and stir in 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; taste and adjust seasonings. Divide "risotto" among bowls and top with sautéed vegetables, Parmesan, pepper, and thyme sprigs.

SUNFLOWER SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cornmeal, flour, salt, and sugar to get out any lumps. In a separate bowl, combine the onion, squash, buttermilk, and egg. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry and stir well to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat about 4 inches of oil in a deep pot or deep-fryer to 375°. Set a wire rack over newspaper or paper towels to cool and drain the squash after frying.
• Do not stir the batter. Dip two spoons in the hot oil, then scoop up one spoonful of batter and slide it into the hot oil using the other spoon. Repeat to make more fritters, dipping the spoons again into the hot oil if the batter begins to stick. Fry the squash for 2 minutes, turning as needed until crisp and deep golden brown.
• Drain on the rack set over newspaper. Serve hot.