Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash Food

MAPLE ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH WITH PEPITAS AND COTIJA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wash the whole squash under running water and pat dry. Cut the squash in half by inserting the tip of a chef's knife in the center of the squash where the stem connects. Push the tip in until it has cut all the way through the skin and flesh, then press down firmly on the handle, bringing the heel of the blade all the way to the cutting board. Turn the squash 180 degrees and repeat on the other side, splitting the squash. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the squash into 1/2-inch-thick wedges and place in a large bowl. Pour the butter and oil over the squash, then season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread the squash out on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until the edges are brown and the squash is tender in the middle, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a platter, drizzle with the syrup and sprinkle with the pepitas and Cotija. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

ROASTED KABOCHA SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the squashes in half horizontally. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Dice the preserved lemon rind.
• Place the squash halves, cut side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the flesh with olive oil, salt, pepper, diced preserved lemon rind, and a squeeze of lemon. Roast uncovered in the oven, 1 hour.
• Remove the squash from the oven. Cut into large wedges, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or use in Pasta with Roasted Kabocha Squash and Pecorino Romano (see recipe).