Winter Squash with Spiced Butter

By LRay

Traditional Thanksgiving flavors (squash, cinnamon, butter) are given a beautiful Persian accent. The exotic spiced butter is also a treat mixed into couscous.

Recipe by Victoria Granof

Photograph by Jeremy Liebman

November 2012

Ingredients

• SQUASH:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon crushed dried rose petals (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 4 pounds assorted small winter squash (such as acorn, kabocha, or delicata)
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• Ingredient Info.:
• Dried rose petals are available at Middle Eastern markets and kalustyans.com.

Preparation

Step 1

Spiced butter:

Mix all ingredients except salt in a small bowl until lime juice is incorporated. Season with salt. Cover; keep in a cool place.

DO AHEAD; Spiced butter can be made 1 week ahead. Roll into logs, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Squash:

Trim ends of acorn and kabocha squash and cut in half through the stem end. Scrape out seeds and place squash cut side down on a cutting board (do not peel). Cut halves crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. If using delicate squash, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch rings; scrape out seeds.

Fill a large wide pot with water to a depth of 1/2-inch and add a pinch of salt; bring to a boil. Add squash slices; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and steam, adding more water as needed to maintain 1/2-inch of water at bottom of pot, until squash is tender but not falling apart, 20-25 minutes.

Carefully transfer squash slices to a large platter (some squash at bottom of pot may be too soft; save for another purpose4) and season with salt.

Reduce water in pot over high heat (or add hot water) to measure 3/4 cup. Remove from heat and whisk in spiced butter, 1 tablespoonful at a time, to form a rich, glossy sauce. Season to taste with salt. Drizzle spiced butter over squash. Top with pomegranate seeds.