Sunday 19 June 2016

Butternut Squash Lebanese style

A tasty vegetarian dish from the Middle East

 Ingredients for 4
1 large butternut squash, deseeded, skin removed
Extra virgin olive oil
70g tahini
juice of l lemon & 1 lime
 3 cloves of crushed garlic
1 red & 1 green chilli, deseeded & finely chopped
½ tsp chilli powder, plus extra
3 tbsp toasted pine nuts
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
1 small bunch of coriander chopped (use stems as well as leaves) 
 Heat oven to 190℃ (210℃ for non-fan)
Slice squash, drizzle with oil and roast on baking tray for about 30/40 mins, turning a couple of times until tender and the edges caramelise
For the dressing combine tahini, lemon & lime juice in bowl and beat in 6 tbsp water to smooth paste. Heat a little olive oil in frying pan, then add chopped garlic, chillies and chilli powder.
Cook for 1 min over medium heat then add tahini and walnuts and continue to cook for another minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped coriander.
Arrange squash on serving plate, cover with sauce, scatter pine nuts over top together with a light sprinkle of chilli powder only if you like your food more spicey (on the photo the pine nuts were included in the sauce but subsequently I prefer them added at the end
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Whilst the tahini is out of the cupboard why not quickly whizz up some humous
drain 400g tin of chickpeas
tablespoon of tahini
1 clove garlic
tbsn extra virgin olive oil
some sea salt
small spoon chilli powder
juice of two limes or one lemon
approx 12 stalks with leaves of fresh coriander
blend all together until smooth, taste and add more seasoning if required.
Add whatever fresh herbs you prefer, or use sundried tomatoes, red pepers, the choice is almost endless 

39 comments:

  1. It all looks delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I used to grow butternut squash and haven't for years, but must think about growing it for next year.

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    1. I tried growing them a couple of years ago, but the yield was not very satisfactory.

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  2. Hello, Rosemary. The dish looks so delicious. I like your idea that you put the glass dish on the green bush.

    Yoko

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    1. Hello Yoko - I went into the garden with the dish to get some chives and popped the dish on the small box hedge whilst I picked them so that it how the photo came about.

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  3. Dear Rosemary, that is the most delectable and scrumptious set of photographs. The orange plate on top of the William Morris fabric is perfect and the meal itself must be tried. I have all of the ingredients. I can already smell the kitchen filled with exotic aromas. Thank you for this wonderful post.

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    1. It is a simple meal Gina, but perfect for the summer and we think very moreish.

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  4. This looks delicious! I will try this out as soon as I can find butternut squash in the shops again.

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  5. Oh Rosemary, that's my kind of favorite meal! I will definitely try your recipe once I'm back in my apron and allowed to lift heavy china and pots etc, haha!

    Thank you for your kind words for my recuperation etc. I need friends such a sweet ones like you at this time.
    I'm doing well but looking awful!
    Hugs - Mary

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    1. I think that you would like it Mary - so pleased to hear that you are doing well but I don't believe you look awful, you never do.

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  6. It looks very nice, the first picture.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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    1. Thanks Filip - hope all is well with you both

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  7. I shall remember this recipe when or if my squashes come to fruition this year. so far I have only tried butternut soup and roasted butternut so always open for new ideas.

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    1. Butternut squash is my favourite of all the squashes and pumpkins - it is also nice if you roast it and just sprinkle some fresh herbs and parmesam cheese over it.

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  8. That colourful first photo of the butternut squash looks so appetizing, it must be delicious.

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  9. Pumpkins abound here but butternut squash is a rare find. I will have to try and grow some although this recipe would work a treat with roast courgette, aubergine and peppers.

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    1. I love the flavour of butternut squash, but of course you are right it would be brilliant on courgettes, aubergines and peppers too - thank you♡

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  10. This looks delicious Rosemary! Ottolenghi?

    Have a lovely week!

    Madelief x

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    1. Dear Madelief - it's actually a recipe by a Lebanese lady called Salma Hage

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  11. That does look so simple to produce. We love butternut squash and usually buy it most weeks. it was very successful when we grew it either. Sarah x

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    1. As you like butternut squash already, and if you enjoy humous, plus nuts and spices then you will enjoy this Sarah.

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  12. Delicious!! Just my sort of thing to eat!

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  13. Hello Rosemary, Butternut squash is one of those foods that can go both ways. We just had one baked with absolutely nothing added, and it was delicious, but the spicy version you present here seems a perfect complement to the squash's texture and sweet flavor.
    --Jim

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    1. Hello Jim - with the added nuts, tahini, and spices it is a very satisfying meal.

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  14. Dearest Rosemary,
    If only more people would eat this healthy, the world would be in better shape; health wise!
    Love Tahini and it is rightly called the King of Oilseeds.
    Funny that we ate a carrot salad with tahini and also marinated tofu for supper, after a fresh pineapple and cucumber gazpacho with jalapeño. We both love it.
    Thanks for sharing this recipe.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Dear Mariette - your meal also sounds delicious - a jar of tahini is always in our fridge, it is a very versatile and useful food to have around, and a flavour that we both enjoy.

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    2. Obrigado pela visita e pelo seu comentário tipo

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  15. I shop at a market in Ft. Worth that has the butternut squash already cut up. I don't mind paying a little more since I find it difficult to peel. Your recipe sounds spicy and delicious, You really have a talent for photographing things. .....putting a lot of thought into the background and colors. nice job.

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    1. I can peel the butternut squash OK as I have a very good peeler, but cutting it in half I find very difficult because it rolls around, so I don't blame you for buying ones that already cut up.
      Thanks for your very kind comment Janey♡

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  16. Now that looks so tasty ... love it!

    All the best Jan

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    1. It is easy and tasty Jan as long as you have all of the ingredients to hand.

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  17. This looks SO delicious, Rosemary. I'm thinking I may have to try it. Needless to say, the gorgeous photo doesn't hurt. :)

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