Butternut Squash Toast With Ricotta Food

BUTTERNUT RICOTTA TART WITH FIERY ROCKET SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the squash on a baking tray. Toss in half the oil, season and spread out into a single layer (you may need 2 baking trays). Roast for 30-35 mins or until tender.
• Meanwhile, place a large rectangle of baking parchment on a baking tray. Unroll the pastry and lay it on top. Score a 1cm border with the tip of a knife and prick the inside part all over with a fork. Bake in the oven for 15 mins.
• Mix the ricotta, sage, nutmeg, lemon zest and plenty of seasoning in a bowl. Once the pastry and squash are cooked, remove from the oven. Gently press the centre of the pastry case down with the back of a spoon. Spread the ricotta mix into the centre. Lay on squash Bake for a further 10-15 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp. Mix the lemon juice, rocket, chilli, pine nuts and 1 tbsp oil. Scatter half over the tart and serve the rest on the side.

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, RICOTTA, AND SAGE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash, 2 tablespoons oil, and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squash is golden and tender, 25-30 minutes. Let cool on sheet.
• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add sage; cook until edges begin to curl and turn dark green, 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer to paper towels to drain. Mix ricotta and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Butternut squash, sage leaves, and ricotta can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill squash. Store sage airtight at room temperature. Cover and chill ricotta mixture. Bring squash to room temperature before serving.
• Spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta mixture on each baguette slice. Top each with a few squash cubes. Drizzle crostini with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top crostini with 2 fried sage leaves each.

JEAN-GEORGES VONGERICHTEN'S SQUASH ON TOAST

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450. Combine the squash, 1/4 cup olive oil, chile flakes and 2 teaspoons of salt in a bowl and toss well. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook, stirring every few minutes, until tender and slightly colored, about 15 minutes or a little longer. Remove from the oven.
• Meanwhile, heat another 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat, add the onions and remaining teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are well softened and darkening, at least 15 minutes. Add the vinegar and syrup, stir and reduce until syrupy and broken down, again at least 15 minutes or so; the mixture should be jammy.
• Combine squash and onions in a bowl and smash with a fork until combined. Taste for seasoning.
• Add the remaining oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add bread and cook until just golden on both sides, less than 10 minutes total; drain on paper towels. Spread cheese on toasts, then top with the squash-onion mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt and garnish with mint.