Best Senator Al Frankens Wife Frannis Pureed Butternut Squash Recipes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toss the squash, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin, the salt and several grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing once, until browned and tender, but not falling apart, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the black beans and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder. Cook until the beans are heated through and well combined, about 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet, then reduce the heat to low and warm through.
• One at a time, hold the tortillas over a stovetop burner set on a medium heat to brown slightly, about 30 seconds per side. Set aside.
• Pour 2 cups of the enchilada sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. To assemble the enchiladas, dip a tortilla into the remaining sauce, then lay on a plate. Sprinkle some cheese down the middle, followed by some of the bean mixture and finally some of the roasted squash. Roll it up tightly, then place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. If you have any extra pieces of squash or the bean mixture, tuck them in between the enchiladas. Be sure to save a little cheese for the topping!
• Pour the rest of the sauce over the enchiladas, then top with the remaining cheese. Add a final sprinkling of chili powder, then bake until hot and bubbly, 20 to 30 minutes. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Top with the cilantro.

SHREDDED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH BROWN BUTTER, SAGE AND PECANS

Steps:

• In a food processor fitted with the grating attachment or on a box cutter, coarsely grate the squash.
• Melt the butter in a very large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the foam subsides and the butter turns a deep, golden brown and starts to smell nutty and rich. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Toss in the squash a handful at a time an and cook, tossing occasionally and scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the pan, until the squash is just tender, about 10 minutes. Toss in sage, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with nuts and pomegranate seeds (if using) and drizzle very lightly with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE

Steps:

• Halve the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds and strings. Rub the insides with 2 tablespoons softened butter; season with salt and pepper. Place on a roasting pan, skin side down. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until fork tender. Remove the squash from the oven, scoop out the flesh and place in a food processor. Add the orange zest, honey and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Puree until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon. Pulse a few times to incorporate.

PERFECT BUTTERNUT SQUASH MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 20 muffin cups.
• Cut a 1/2-inch hole into the larger part of the squash and cover with a damp paper towel.
• Cook squash in a microwave oven in 3-minute increments, turning slightly after each increment, until squash can be easily pierced with a fork, 9 to 12 minutes. Set aside until cool to the touch, about 20 minutes.
• Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Measure 1 1/2 cups squash into a large bowl. Mash eggs, water, vegetable oil, white sugar, and brown sugar into the squash. Whisk whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice into the squash mixture until you have a smooth batter. Fold raisins and walnuts into the batter.
• Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups to about 1/2 to 2/3 full.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

PUREED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Cut the squash into 2-inch chunks and place in a large pot. Add water to just cover and place over high heat. Cook until the squash is just barely tender, 25 to 40 minutes. (Do not overcook or the squash will become watery.) Drain well.
• Transfer the squash to a bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Beat in the butter. Beat in the sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir in the nutmeg.