Saturday, February 06, 2010

Sundays With Marlena Spieler-Baked Winter Squash or Ragout of Butternut Squash and Tomatoes




Our computer crashed so am over at my in-laws using their computer. Thanks mom and dad! I know I am posting early but for some reason I can't make the post options post it tomorrow so I give up. Here it is...1/2 a day early and a dollar short.

Dave made this killer chili today that had butternut squash in it...so, I decided to make this dish from Jewish Cooking by Marlena Spieler. It is really Shankari's to do at some point..but I emailed and called her to ask if we could trade. Never heard back so let's hope we didn't make the same recipe today! If we did...just a double dose of goodness is all!

This dish is a favorite of the Italian Jews...from around Mantua. I guess they have some mighty fine squash growing in that region.

Ingredients: Serves 4 - 6

A winter squash like pumpkin, butternut, etc. about 2 1/2 lbs peeled and cut into large chunks

3-5 TBS olive oil

1 chopped onion

3-5 chopped garlic cloves

14 oz can chopped tomatoes [I used a couple of fresh tomatoes too]

pinch of sugar

2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary..chopped finely

salt and ground pepper to taste


Put some olive oil in a hot pan and saute the squash till it begins to brown.. transfer it to a bowl

Put onions in same pan and saute until soft

Add the garlic and stir for a minute or so

Add the tomatoes and cook till juices look like a sauce


Layer squash and tomato mixture in a baking dish

Bake at 325 until top becomes golden brown

Garnish with a sprig of rosemary

This is a satisfying dish on a cold day..so savory. I would enjoy it with some brown rice too..or some pasta!!

Be sure and check out my blogger pals for their offerings for Sundays with Marlena at Just the Two of Us and Sacramento Spice.





6 comments:

shankari said...

Looks Awesome!

I am sorry I could not take your call- was in a cooking class from 2pm to 5:30 pm

Saffron Paisley said...

Oh, Mel! This looks fabulous and perfect for a gray day! Must buy a butternut squash ASAP!

Glenna said...

Mmm...never thought about adding the tomatoes but I will now. I've been on a real squash kick lately!

Becky said...

I'm a little confused re: the ingredients and the directions. Are the sugar and the finely chopped rosemary supposed to be added to the tomato mixture, with extra sprigs of rosemary for garnish? Thanks for your help. This dish looks great!

Unknown said...

yes..goes into the tomato sauce. taste before adding too much rosemary.

Ulla said...

you blog looks fantastic! just watched your TV spot. You are such a lovely lady! :) I actually have winter squash handy thanks for the inspiration!