Roasted Acorn Squash With Mushrooms Peppers And Goat Cheese Recipes

Steps:

• For the acorn squash: Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Trim the tops and bottoms off the squash. Cut in half horizontally so the cut-ends will keep the pieces flat. Clean the inside of the squash. Separate the seeds from the membranes and rinse well. Dry the seeds with a paper towel and set aside. Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Place the seeds on a separate baking sheet or foil. Roast the squash 30 minutes. Roast the seeds at the same time, checking and moving them around after 10 minutes and again after 20 minutes. Depending on the size of the seeds, they may be done after 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Sprinkle the seeds with the remaining salt, and set aside with the squash. FILLING: Set a large saute pan over high heat and add the butter. When melted, add the cabbage, onions, peppers, sprinkle with salt and pepper and gently toss to combine. Allow the cabbage to wilt down, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and toss to combine. Saute 2 to 4 minutes longer, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For assembling: Preheat the broiler to low. Fill the roasted acorn squash halves with the filling. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top, then top with the roasted squash seeds. Broil just until the cheese is warm. Garnish with a small amount of Italian parsley, if using, and serve.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
• Wash the two whole squash under running water and pat dry. Cut the squash in half by inserting the tip of a chef's knife in the center of the squash where the stem connects. Push the tip in until it has cut all the way through the skin and flesh, then press down firmly on the handle, bringing the heel of the blade all the way to the cutting board. Turn the squash 180 degrees and repeat on the other side, splitting the squash. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the squash into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Heat a 14-inch cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the squash in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and sear on the first side until lightly golden brown, about 3 minutes, in batches if needed. Place the seared squash on the prepared sheet tray, seared-side down, and season the top side with salt and pepper. Scatter the thyme sprigs over the squash and put into the oven. Roast until the edges are brown and the squash is tender in the middle, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the squash to a large bowl, season with more salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Drizzle with the warmed syrup and toss to combine. Pour onto a platter and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and goat cheese.