Kabocha Squash Puree with Browned Butter & Sage

Last year, I saw kabocha squash recipes everywhere- after the season was over. When I saw this special squash in the store this year, I bought one without a plan- I didn’t want to miss out again…

We ate this wonderful side dish, adapted from a “staff-favorite” Food and Wine recipe contributed by Michael Tusk, with grilled chicken sausages! It wasn’t the best compliment- but was absolutely delicious anyway. 🙂 The squash was creamy and sweet and the browned butter added rich nuttiness. This dish would be a better match to an elegant meal. Next time! 🙂

Yield: Serves 6 as a side dish

• 1 kabocha squash (about 3 pounds each), halved and seeded
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil
• 2 T unsalted butter
• 6 sage leaves, plus more as desired for garnish
• coarse salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• aged balsamic vinegar, for drizzling, optional

1. Preheat the oven to 425° and line a roasting pan with parchment paper. (I used the convection roast setting.)
2. Rub the inside of each squash half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and press a sage leaf onto each one.
3. Season the squash with salt and pepper and place cut side down in the roasting pan. (I used a 9×13-inch glass pyrex pan.)
4. Add 1 cup of water to the pan. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour, until tender.
5. Let cool. Discard the sage and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
6. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
7. Add the remaining 4+ sage leaves and cook over moderate heat until the butter is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sage to a plate.
8. Add the browned butter and lemon juice to the squash and mash to a puree.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Transfer the squash to a bowl, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, if desired, and garnish with the fried sage leaves.

Make Ahead: The squash puree can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat in a microwave before garnishing.

One Year Ago:

• Mashed Cauliflower with Gruyere

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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