Butternut Squash Tian Food

SOUTH INDIAN-ISH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• In a large skillet over high heat, warm the oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the black mustard seeds and as soon as they begin to pop and dance around in the oil, which should be within seconds, remove the pan from the heat. Add the curry leaves, making sure they get fully coated in the oil (there may be more popping and splattering, and that's okay!). The leaves should immediately crisp up in the residual heat. Return the pan to medium heat, add the turmeric and asafetida (if using), and stir to incorporate without breaking up the curry leaves. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the butternut squash, green chiles, and coriander and stir gently just to combine (be careful not to overmix, or you'll end up with mush). Spread the vegetables in an even layer in the pan, cover, and cook until the butternut squash is tender and soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the salt, lime juice, and red chile powder and stir gently. Taste and adjust the lime juice, red chile powder, and salt, if needed, before serving.

PUMPKIN OR BUTTERNUT SQUASH TIAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
• Dredge pumpkin or butternut squash in a bag with flour, crumbled basil, salt and pepper; shake off excess.
• Put in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan and garlic; add more pepper to taste and drizzle with oil.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes.

SIMPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Toss butternut squash with olive oil and garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Arrange coated squash on a baking sheet.
• Roast in the preheated oven until squash is tender and lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH TIAN

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 1 1/2 to 2-quart baking dish (such as a deep pie dish) with olive oil. Peel and slice the butternut squash. You should have 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds prepared squash flesh. Heat the olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the squash in the olive oil with a sprinkling of salt until it softens and starts to disintegrate, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cover for most of the cooking time to speed the process. While the squash is cooking, heat a small saucepan of salted water over high heat. When it is boiling, add the rice. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside. Place the cooked pumpkin in a large bowl and combine with the rice, Parmesan, about 1/2 teaspoon salt, and generous dashes of pepper and nutmeg. When it has cooled slightly, mix in the eggs quickly so that they don't scramble. The mixture may seem on the liquid side, but this is fine. Pour it into the prepared gratin dish, top with the herbed bread crumbs (recipe below) and a generous drizzle of olive oil. (If desired, you can prepare to this point, cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, bake as directed below.) Bake for 35 minutes or until slightly toasted on top and set. Serve warm. This recipe doubles very well; I use a 4-pound squash and bake the tian in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Bread Crumb Crust: In a food processor, blend together all the ingredients except the olive oil. Add the olive oil and blend until the breadcrumbs are soft and green, adding a little more oil if necessary. Season well with salt and pepper.