Squash Mustard Gruyère Gratin Food

SQUASH GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and thyme and cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the butternut and kabocha squash in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the squash is just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and add the squash to the skillet along with the garlic, mace, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add the broth and cook until it is mostly absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened, 2 minutes.
• Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave and toss with the breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the squash, then top with the gruyere. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until golden, about 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
• How to break down butternut squash:
• Cut about 1 inch off the bottom end with a chef's knife. Scoop out the seeds.
• Hold the squash against your body and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler; chop.
• How to break down kabocha squash:
• Quarter the squash with a chef's knife, then scoop out the seeds.
• Put each quarter flat-side down and cut off the skin with a paring knife; chop the squash.

BAKED SQUASH GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Lightly butter an 8-inch baking dish and set aside. Fill a large pot with enough water to come 2 inches up the sides of the pot. Set a steamer rack in the pot, cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the squash and steam over medium heat until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer the squash to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Season the squash to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spoon half of the squash evenly over the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the pesto all over the squash in the dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the squash. Repeat layering with the remaining squash, pesto, and cheese. Using a skewer, swirl the pesto decoratively into the squash. Dot the top with butter and bake until the gratin is heated through and golden brown around the edges, about 40 minutes.

SUMMER SQUASH GRATIN WITH PICKLED RYE BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice squash 1/4-inch thick, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt, and place in a colander set in the sink for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, tossing occasionally with your hands. Gather the squash in a kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture.
• While the squash drains, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon pickle juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until all the butter is absorbed, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean using a paper towel.
• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet over medium-low. Add the onions and cook, tossing occasionally, until the onions are lightly caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons pickle juice, the garlic, thyme, red-pepper flakes, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons butter until melted.
• Add half the squash to the skillet and toss with tongs until combined. Add the rest of the squash and toss again. Add the Gruyère, along with 1/3 of the bread crumbs and toss well. Arrange into one packed layer, sprinkle with the remaining bread crumbs and bake until browned and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

DELICATA SQUASH GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a medium casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Slice delicata squash lengthwise, remove seeds and pulp, and cut into 1/2-inch crescent-shaped slices. Place squash in the prepared pan and lightly season with salt and pepper.
• Melt butter in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, being careful not to allow the paste to brown. Gradually stir in milk and bring to a boil. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes; remove from heat. Mix in Gruyere cheese and stir until melted. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• Pour cheese sauce over the squash and bake in the preheated oven until the squash is fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Garnish with snipped parsley.

WINTER SQUASH GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush lightly with olive oil. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy membranes, brush the cut sides with olive oil and lay cut side down on the foil-covered baking sheet. Bake 40 minutes, or until soft enough to pierce easily with a knife. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then peel and either mash with a fork, puree in a food processor fitted with the steel blade, or finely dice. You should have about 2 cups of pureed or finely diced squash.
• Turn the oven down to 375ºF and oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish with olive oil. Heat the remaining oil over medium heat in a medium heavy skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the parsley and sage, and squash, and remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Beat the eggs in a large bowl and whisk in the milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in the squash mixture and the Gruyère. Taste and adjust seasonings. Scrape into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the Parmesan over the top.
• Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned on the top and sizzling. Serve hot, warm, or room temperature.