Saturday, February 12, 2011

Hmm, it looks like mac and cheese....

We’re members of a local, organic CSA, and our last load of the growing season always includes lots — and LOTS — of squash, pumpkins, and other storage vegetables.  That’s a good thing, because I’m a fan of squash of all varieties; in fact, our whole family really likes it these days, especially when it’s prepared with some yummy spiral pasta.  When I need to make a quick, hot meal, this is almost always at the top of the list; it comes together really quickly, and when you add a side of steamed broccoli, there are few meals that are more nourishing.

This is a great dish to make for kids who don’t like veggies, but could eat mac and cheese daily for the rest of their young lives.  We like to use whole wheat rotini, but if your clan is really picky, you can use elbow macaroni to make it even closer to their favorite pasta.

————

Butternut twirls

1 small butternut squash, halved and seeded
1/2 box whole wheat rotini
1 T olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
4-6 fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 c. Imagine No Chicken Stock (or vegetable stock)
1 T nutritional yeast (or more to taste)
Thinly sliced scallions (optional, for garnish)
Toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)


Cook squash in microwave, cut side down, in 1″ water in a glass dish until tender, about 15 minutes.  Allow to cool enough to handle.  Cook pasta according to package directions (to al dente).  Meanwhile, in skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Saute onions until just tender.  Add sage, garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and stir.  Scoop out squash and add to skillet.  Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fairly smooth and starting to caramelize.  Add broth and nutritional yeast, stirring, until the mixture is the consistency of a thick sauce. Add more broth if you need to thin the sauce.  Stir in pasta until thoroughly coated.

If desired, top with thinly sliced scallions and/or toasted pinenuts.  Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

No comments:

Post a Comment