Have you ever seen a better vegetable for stuffing than the humble delicata squash? Each perfect yellow and green-striped edible tube becomes an ideal vessel for every sort of filling imaginable, no matter how you cut or cook it.
Allow me to introduce to you a prime candidate for your new Thanksgiving main dish, replete with a very posh-sounding beluga lentil filling. Sparkling like legume caviar within their roasted golden delicata containers, these particular lentils eschew the typical autumnal spices found on every festive table in favor of more worldly flavors. Infused with an aromatic blend of cumin, mustard seeds, and jalapeno, this entry is guaranteed to spice up the traditional feast. Spiced rather than spicy, it’s designed to suit a wide range of palates, subtle enough not to offend those who appreciate less heat but want abundant umami to savor on their plates.
Like all the best Thanksgiving dishes, stuffed delicata are rock stars for prepping in advance and waiting patiently until their solo arrives. Bake and stuff them as written, cover the casserole dish with foil, and simply reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 – 20 minutes when the party begins.
Ingredients:
- 2 Medium Delicata Squashes (About 1 Pound Each)
Lentil Stuffing:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Shallots, Finely Diced
- 1 Jalapeno, Seeded and Finely Diced
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Whole Cumin Seeds
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Whole Mustard Seeds
- 1 Cup Dry Beluga Lentils
- 2 Cups Vegetable Broth
- 2/3 Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 3/4 – 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Cashew Raita:
- 1 Cup Raw Cashews Pieces, Soaked for About 4 Hours
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint Leaves, Roughly Chopped
- 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 – 3 Persian Cucumbers, Finely Diced
Method:
1. Although it’s the last addition to your stuffed squashes, it would be wise to prepare the cashew raita first so that it’s ready to go when you are. Thoroughly drain your soaked cashews and toss them in your blender along with the chopped mint, lemon juice, water, and salt. Puree, pausing to scrape down the sides of the canister with a spatula as needed, until completely silky-smooth. This process may take longer if you use a lower-powered model, but stick with it; that creamy texture is important for successful raita. Once perfectly velvety, stir in the cucumber pieces by hand. Store in an air-tight container and keep refrigerated prior to serving.
2. For the filling, heat the olive oil in a medium pot over moderate heat before tossing in the diced shallots and jalapeno. Saute until translucent before introducing the cumin and mustard seeds next. Cook until the vegetables are lightly caramelized and the entire mixture is highly aromatic. Add the lentils and broth, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes when the lentils become tender. Add the coconut milk, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep the pot partially covered and simmer for an additional 5 – 10 minutes, until the final liquid addition has been absorbed. Cover and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, as the lentils cook, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Cut both squash in half lengthwise and scoop out (but reserve) seeds. Place each half with the cut sides down on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the flesh. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before handling.
4. Reduce the heat to 250, toss the reserved seeds with just a splash of oil and a pinch of salt, and roast for just 10 – 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from burning. Once golden and crisp, let them cool completely.
5. To complete the dish, flip the roasted delicata squashes up to turn them into edible boats and spoon the warm lentils inside. Serve the cashew raita alongside for guests to top their squashes as desired, and finish with a sprinkle of roasted seeds.
Makes 4 Main Dish Servings; Cut the Halves in Half for 8 Side Dish Servings.
This article was originally published on www.bittersweetblog.com. Read the original here.
