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Roasted Winter Squash With Kale Pipian

3.2

(4)

Mixed winter squash—delicata kabocha etc.—roasted and tossed on an oval platter with a vibrant green sauce spooned...
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich

This bright green style of mole is made by blending pumpkin seeds into a smooth paste (kind of like how pine nuts work in pesto). The oil in the seeds adds body and rich flavor to the sauce, which can also wake up other simply roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots. If you can find it, try making this sauce recipe with hoja santa, a robust aromatic Mexican herb—if you can't, any hardy green will work (we call for kale).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), divided
3 lb. mixed winter squash pieces (such as 1"-thick delicata rounds, 1"-thick kabocha wedges, and/or quartered honeynut), seeds removed
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1/4 white onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
8 oz. tomatillos (about 4), husks removed, rinsed
1 small bunch Tuscan kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn
2 small serrano chiles
Flaky sea salt
Cilantro leaves with tender stems and lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet until lightly browned, 6–8 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Toss squash pieces and oil on another rimmed baking sheet to coat; season with kosher salt. Roast, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender, 30–40 minutes.

    Step 3

    Bring onion, garlic, tomatillos, and 2 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high. Cook until tomatillos are almost tender, about 5 minutes. Add kale and cook just until wilted and bright green, about 1 minute. Let onion mixture cool in pan until warm.

    Step 4

    Char chiles over the flame of a gas burner, turning occasionally, until blackened and slightly softened, about 1 minute (or, arrange chiles on a rimmed baking sheet and use broiler).

    Step 5

    Transfer onion mixture to a blender with a slotted spoon; reserve liquid. Add charred chiles and 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds to blender and purée, adding reserved liquid as needed to get things moving, until a smooth, pourable sauce forms. Season pipian with kosher salt.

    Step 6

    Divide squash among plates. Drizzle with pipian and sprinkle with sea salt. Top with remaining 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

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