Sides

Twice-Cooked Squash with Spiced Pepitas

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Twice-Cooked Squash with Spiced Pepitas

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Cooking the squash twice helps to develop a rich flavor and creamy texture. The pepitas deliver much-needed crunch and a warming note of spice that balances the sweetness of the dish.

Nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):Calories 177 (58% from fat)
carb. 16g
pro. 4g
fat 12g
sat. fat 5g chol. 15mg
sod. 109mg
calc. 41mg
fiber 2g

Ingredients

  • 2teaspoons olive oil
  • ¼cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • ½teaspoon of any warm, ground spice, such as garam masala,
  • harissa, smoked paprika, or cumin
  • ¼teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
  • 1small winter squash, such as acorn, kabocha, or red kuri,
  • halved, seeded, and cut into 4 to 6 wedges
  • ¼cup water
  • 2tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
  • 1tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1tablespoon lime juice
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or mint and/or lime zest for serving,
  • optional

Preparation

  1. 1. Pour the olive oil onto a microwave-safe plate, add the pepitas,
  2. and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer, and place in the Cuisinart®
  3. 3-in-1 Microwave AirFryer Plus. Select Microwave, and set the time
  4. for 1 minute and the power level to High (10P). Press Start. Carefully
  5. toss the seeds, and continue to microwave in 1-minute increments,
  6. tossing each time, until golden brown and aromatic. Sprinkle with
  7. the spice and a pinch of salt, and toss to coat. Reserve.
  8. 2. Place the squash wedges in a microwave-safe casserole dish with
  9. ¼ cup water, cover, and place in the Microwave AirFryer. Select
  10. Microwave, and set the time for 6 minutes and power level to High (10P); press Start. Once cooked, remove, drain, and reserve. The squash should be soft, but not fully cooked.
  11. 3. Put the butter in a small microwaveable measuring cup or bowl.
  12. Place in the Microwave AirFryer. Select Microwave, Butter Melt (A3) preset, and press Start. Carefully remove from the oven.
  13. Add the maple syrup and lime juice, and stir to combine. Reserve.
  14. 4. Place the AirFry Basket onto the Oven/AirFry Pan and coat with
  15. nonstick cooking spray. Put the squash in the basket, flesh side up.
  16. Brush each wedge with a little of the butter mixture (reserving any
  17. remainder) and sprinkle all over with ¼ teaspoon salt. Place in the
  18. Microwave AirFryer. Select Oven/AirFry, and set the temperature to
  19. 400°F and time for 10 minutes. Press Start. The squash is done
  20. when golden brown and tender all the way through.
  21. 5. Transfer the squash to a serving plate. Brush with any of the
  22. remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with the spiced pepitas.
  23. Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint and/or lime zest, if desired.
  24. Serve immediately.