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Weekend Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Tahini and Feta

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Roasted Butternut Squash with Tahini and Feta
Photo: Courtesy of Cook's Illustrated

There are a million ways to dress up squash, and Cook's Illustrated has offered up a selection of their favorite methods. Try this Middle Eastern-inspired version!

(And, check out this version with yogurt and sesame seeds, and this one with radicchio and parmesan!)

Butternut Squash with Tahini and Feta
Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS

Squash:
1 large (2 1/2- to 3-pound) butternut squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Topping:
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch salt
1 ounce feta cheese, finely crumbled (1/4 cup)
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped fine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

INSTRUCTIONS

For plain roasted squash omit the topping. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. For the best texture it’s important to remove the fibrous flesh just below the squash’s skin.

1. FOR THE SQUASH: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Using sharp vegetable peeler or chef’s knife, remove skin and fibrous threads from squash just below skin (peel until squash is completely orange with no white flesh remaining, roughly 1/8 inch deep). Halve squash lengthwise and scrape out seeds. Place squash, cut side down, on cutting board and slice crosswise 1/2 inch thick.

2. Toss squash with melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange squash on rimmed baking sheet in single layer. Roast squash until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate sheet and continue to bake until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove squash from oven and use metal spatula to flip each piece. Continue to roast until squash is very tender and side touching sheet is browned, 10 to 15 minutes longer.

3. FOR THE TOPPING: While squash roasts, whisk tahini, oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt together in small bowl.

4. Transfer squash to large serving platter. Drizzle tahini mixture evenly over squash. Sprinkle with feta, pistachios, and mint and serve.

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