Robot Heart Recipes

Roasted Zephyr Squash Medley with Fresh Basil Pesto
Serves 4

I received some gorgeous garden grown zephyr squashes from my boss earlier this week. They are a hybrid of a yellow crookneck with a squash that is a cross between Delicata and yellow acorn squashes. They are a little sweet, but also earthy in flavor—taste-wise a bit like a mix between zucchini and yellow summer squash. My boss indicated that the ones she gave me were on the large side for prime eating, so I opted to roast them thinking that they would soften and have sugars drawn out in the process. I was right! This veg and pesto combo turned out to be delicious. It is unlikely that you will stumble upon zephyr squash at your corner grocery store, but you might be lucky enough to find it at your farmers market. Other long squashes will substitute nicely. Here’s what zephyr squash looks like so you can keep an eye out:

INGREDIENTS

Pesto

2 1/2 cups basil leaves

2 large cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

Veggies

2 large zephyr squashes, cut into medium pieces

1 medium red onion, cut into large wedges

6 large cremini mushrooms, cut into fourths

2 tablespoons olive oil

kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

shaved Parmesan for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step One: For the pesto, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until combined well and smooth in texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate at least one hour prior to using, preferably overnight.

Step Two: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place vegetables into a roasting pan; spread evenly. Toss with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast. Stir after 12 minutes. Return to oven and roast an additional 10-12 minutes, or until vegetables are golden brown and tender.

Step Three: Gently toss pesto into vegetable mixture. Serve topped with shaved Parmesan if desired.

Source: A Robot Heart Recipes Original.