Winter Squash Puree With Tahini Food

WINTER SQUASH PUREE

Steps:

• Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon salt and the squash. Return to a boil, then simmer until very soft, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well.
• Dry: Return squash to pot and cook over low heat, stirring, to dry squash, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Puree: Working in batches, transfer squash to a food processor. Puree with butter until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

WINTER SQUASH PUREE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. cut squash in half, scoop out seeds, brush cut surfaces with oil and set them face down on a baking sheet. Bake until very tender, about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how large the squash is.
• While this is baking, bring the milk, cinnamon stick, cloves and garlic to a simmer. Remove from heat and let the milk infuse while squash is baking.
• When squash is done, remove it from oven and scoop out the cooked flesh which you should transfer to a food processor or blender. Strain the infused milk to remove the spices and garlic and blend infused milk with the squash to make a puree. Beat in butter if you wish and season to taste with salt and pepper. You can make this in advance and reheat in a double boiler.

WINTER SQUASH PUREE WITH TAHINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush lightly with olive oil. If using butternut squash, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy membranes, and lay cut-side down on the foil-covered baking sheet. If using a thick slice of squash, scrape off any membranes. Bake 45 minutes to one hour, or until very soft. A knife should cut through it without resistance, and the skin should be wrinkled. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then peel and transfer to a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the tahini, and puree until smooth and creamy.
• Combine the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mortar and pestle, and mash to a paste. Add to the food processor along with the lemon juice and cumin, and blend together. Add salt to taste.
• Mound the puree in a wide bowl or on a plate. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Serve with warm pita bread.

STEEL-CUT OATS WITH SQUASH AND TAHINI

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the oats. Cook, stirring often, until they smell toasty and have darkened a shade, 3 to 4 minutes. Watch that they don't burn. Pour in the milk and water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then stir once, partially cover the pan, and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the squash, then remove from the heat. (The oatmeal will thicken as it cools; stir in additional water or milk when reheating.)
• To serve, spoon the hot oatmeal into bowls. For each serving, drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, a small spoonful of brown sugar, and a good pinch of flaky salt.