Butternut Squash Pepitas Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, KALE, AND CRUNCHY PEPITAS TACO

Steps:

• To make the crema, soak the raw cashews in room-temperature water to cover for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve.
• Toast the cumin in a small, dry, heavy skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Transfer to a spice grinder, let cool, and grind finely.
• In a blender, combine the cashews, cumin, lime juice, water, and salt. Start the blender on the lowest speed and gradually increase to the highest speed. Blend for at least 1 minute, until a creamy consistency. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
• To make the pumpkin seeds, heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pumpkin seeds and sauté for about 2 minutes, taking care that they do not burn. The seeds will begin to puff up and pop. Once they appear toasted, immediately pour them into a bowl. Toss with the cayenne and salt and set aside.
• To make the filling, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute more. Add the squash and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, just until the squash begins to soften. Season with the chile powder and salt.
• Add the kale and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, until it begins to wilt. Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
• Serve with the tortillas, crema, pumpkin seeds, onion, cilantro, and salsa. To assemble each taco, invite guests to spoon about 1/2 cup of the warm filling into a tortilla and top with some crema and pumpkin seeds. If guests want more toppings, they can finish off their tacos with onion, cilantro, and salsa.

KALE SALAD WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CRANBERRIES AND PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Peel the squash, cut in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1/2-inch slices. Toss the squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place in a single layer onto a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until the squash can be pierced by a knife. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• Slice the kale into bite-size pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider, cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons oil and maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle a little of the dressing over the kale and gently rub the dressing over the leaves, by hand, to coat. Toss the kale with cranberries.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, pepitas, cinnamon, brown sugar and a dash of salt. Toast the pepitas in a shallow pan, just until they start to get tan and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
• Divide the squash and kale onto plates and top with the toasted pepitas.

ANASAZI BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH CHORIZO AND PEPITAS

Steps:

• Place kidney beans in medium bowl. Pour enough water over to cover beans by 3 inches. Let stand overnight. Drain.
• Sauté chorizo in heavy large pot over medium heat until cooked through and fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Transfer chorizo to paper towels; drain, leaving 2 tablespoons drippings in pot. Add onion and garlic; sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Add 3 cups water, broth and beans; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover. Simmer until beans are tender, 1 hour.
• Add squash to soup. Cover; simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in bell peppers, corn and chorizo; simmer uncovered about 10 minutes longer.
• Meanwhile, set aside 2 tablespoons pepitas for garnish. Blend remaining pepitas in blender until finely ground. Stir ground pepitas into soup. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with reserved pepitas and serve.