Fregula With Braised Butternut Squash And Tomatoes Food

ROASTED SQUASH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Halve, seed and thinly slice 1 small acorn squash; cut 2 medium tomatoes into wedges. Toss the squash and tomatoes with 1 sliced small red onion, 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1 sprig rosemary, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees F, stirring once, until tender, 40 minutes. Toss with grated parmesan.

STEWED CHICKPEAS WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• For the chickpeas: In a large pot, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme bundle. Fill the pot with water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a simmer (BTB, RTS), and cook for about 1 hour. Do the 5-bean test: Bite into 5 beans; if they are all properly cooked, carry on. If not, cook the beans for another 10 to 15 minutes and try again. Remember, beans cook at different rates, so you need to check a few to make sure they're really done!
• When the beans are cooked, turn off the heat and season the water generously with salt. TASTE the water to be sure it is adequately seasoned. Let the beans sit in the salty water for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb some of the salty flavor. Remove the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme bundle and discard. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, strain the beans, and set aside.
• For the stew: You can start this part while the beans are cooking: Coat a large wide pot with olive oil, toss in the onions, and season with salt and the crushed red pepper. Bring the pan to medium heat and cook until the onions are soft and very aromatic, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Toss in the diced squash, cumin, fennel, tomatoes, and the reserved bean water (if you forgot to save the bean water, tap water is fine). Stir to combine, taste, and season with salt if needed. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer (BTB, RTS). Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until the squash is cooked through. Add another cup of water if the liquid has evaporated too much.
• Toss in the reserved chickpeas and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture is thick and stewlike. Serve hot or at room temp, garnished with chives.

CHARD, SQUASH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Combine one 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 2 sliced garlic cloves, 2 sprigs thyme, 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a large microwave-safe bowl; add 2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash. Cover with plastic wrap and pierce the plastic; microwave until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes. Add 1 bunch chopped Swiss chard (stems removed) and toss. Cover and microwave 5 more minutes. Top with crumbled pecorino.

FREGULA WITH ASPARAGUS AND GORGONZOLA

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped shallot and cook, stirring, until golden. Add asparagus and continue stirring about 3 minutes more.
• Place chicken stock in a second saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Add fregula to saucepan with asparagus and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Add wine and let cook until liquid has absorbed.
• Add boiling chicken stock to fregula and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is fully absorbed, about 10 minutes. Stir in Gorgonzola until well combined, then stir in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Let mixture stand a few minutes before serving.