Winter Squash Agrodolce Food

WINTER SQUASH AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the squash wedges with olive oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan and arrange in a single layer. Roast the squash, turning halfway through cooking, until brown on both sides and tender, about 25-30 minutes.
• While the squash is roasting, combine the chilies, vinegar, honey, cherries, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Brush the agrodolce over the warm cooked squash. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle the remaining agrodolce over the squash.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. Make up to 3 hours in advance.

ACORN SQUASH AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Cut the acorn squash in half; scoop out the seeds and discard. Slice the squash into 1- inch slices. Toss with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet and roast until tender and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove the peel and dice the squash.
• In the meantime, make the agrodolce. In a small saucepan, combine the red wine vinegar, currants and honey. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook until reduced and syrupy, about 15 minutes. Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper.
• In a large bowl, toss the squash with the agrodolce sauce, mint and almonds. Serve hot or at room temperature.

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• For the fried sage leaves: Heat a small saucepan with 1 inch oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil by touching the tip of a sage leaf in the oil; if it bubbles, the oil is ready for frying. Fry the leaves, 3 to 4 at a time, until the bubbles subside and the leaves become crisp. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
• For the squash: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Using a chef's knife, cut off a small amount off the top and bottom of each squash. Set the squash, cut-side down, and cut in half. Using a large spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut each half into 5 wedges and place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, cayenne, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss with your hands to coat well, then transfer the squash to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fork tender, 35 minutes.
• Place the butter in a small skillet and melt over medium heat until the foam subsides and the solids begin to smell nutty and turn brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Allow the butter to cool for 2 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, then whisk in the brown butter, using a rubber spatula to get all the brown bits out of the pan. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Lay the squash on a serving platter and spoon the vinaigrette over. Dollop with the mascarpone and sprinkle with the almonds and fried sage.

WINTER SQUASH AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Place kabocha and delicata squash on separate large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squashes are golden brown and tender, 30-35 minutes for kabocha and 20-25 minutes for delicata.
• Meanwhile, bring chiles, vinegar, honey, raisins, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until syrupy, 8-10 minutes.
• Brush half of warm agrodolce over warm squash. Transfer to a platter.
• Just before serving, reheat remaining agrodolce, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen. Spoon over squash.
• Dish can be made 3 hours ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.

ROASTED SWEET POTATO AND DELICATA SQUASH WITH CRANBERRY AGRODOLCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash, sweet potatoes, and oil in a very large bowl. Add red pepper flakes and 2 tsp. salt and toss to combine. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet with 12 thyme sprigs. Roast, tossing once halfway through, until squash is golden brown and fork-tender, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, cook cranberries, vinegar, sugar, and remaining 3 thyme sprigs and 1/2 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries are soft and sauce is thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes.
• Transfer vegetables to a platter, then drizzle some agrodolce over. Serve remaining agrodolce alongside.