LISTEN TO THE PODCASTNo question, this squash is smashed, but doing it really brings the flavor. Susie Middleton, who wrote the cookbook Simple Green Suppers, stopped by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about her Butternut Cranberry Citrus toast, which she says, makes either an excellent appetizer or even a main course. Susie told Tonia the smash we talked about happens as you mash the squash up to make the toast, and she describes that approach as flavor from the bottom-up. Give this toast a try!
Makes 2 or 3 toasts
2 cups small-diced, peeled butternut
squash (about 9 ounces)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons
extra-virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil, plus more for brushing
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons Cranberry-Citrus Herb
Butter (recipe follows), at
room temperature
2 large shallots, peeled and cut
into thin slices (optional)
2 or 3 slices of whole wheat boule
or other peasant bread (each
about 6 inches long)
2 tablespoons chopped toasted
pecans, toasted pepitas, or Rosemary
Roasted Walnuts
1. Position a rack in the middle of
your oven and preheat to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment
paper. Toss the squash with a scant 2 tablespoons of the oil and ¼ teaspoon of
salt. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake, flipping with a metal
spatula halfway through cooking, for 26 to 28 minutes, until nicely browned and
tender.
2. Immediately transfer the squash
to a medium saucepan over
low heat and add 4 to 5 teaspoons of
the cranberry butter. Toss and stir, then use a handheld masher to gently mash
the roasted squash and butter
until it roughly holds together.
(Some hunks of squash will remain.)
Remove the pan from the heat and
cover to keep warm if making ahead,
or keep the pan on low heat for a few minutes, stirring, if waiting until the
toast is done.
3. Cook the shallots (if using):
Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a small (8-inch) nonstick skillet over medium
heat. Add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until softened and
browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the shallots to a paper-towel-lined plate.
4. Preheat an oven broiler or the
broiler in a toaster oven.Brush the bread slices with a small bit of oil on one
side and sprinkle with salt. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet. Broil until
golden brown on the top side, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven,
turn the slices over, and dot or brush the top of each slice with 1 teaspoon of
the cranberry butter. Broil until the top side is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
5. Using a small spatula or
spreading knife, spread the warm squash mixture evenly on the pieces of toast. Top
with the shallots (if using) and toasted nuts. Serve right away.
Cranberry-Citrus Herb Butter
Makes about ⅓ cup
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at
room temperature or slightly softer
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated orange
zest
¼ teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons very finely chopped
cranberries
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
½ teaspoon seeded and minced fresh
jalapeño
Put the butter in a small bowl. Add
the salt and orange and lemon zest. Mash and stir the butter using a small
silicone spatula or the back of a spoon. Add the cranberries,thyme, and
jalapeño, and continue to stir until the mixture is smooth. Pack into a small
bowl, crock, or refrigerator container and cover tightly.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week
or the freezer for up to 2 months. Bring to room temperature before using.
From Simple Green Suppers by Susie Middleton © 2017 by Susie Middleton. Photographs © 2017 by Randi Baird. Reprinted in arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc. www.roostbooks.com
