Description
This vibrant dish features pan-fried Kabocha squash with a hearty salad of black bean quinoa and wheat berries, complemented by mustard greens tossed in a miso vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Units
For the Squash
- 1 lb (450 g) Kabocha squash, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch wedges
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked quinoa
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked black beans
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked wheat berries
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili flakes
For the Miso Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) golden miso
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Chimayo chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) roasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) rice wine vinegar
For the Walnut Relish
- 2 cups (480 ml) walnuts
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mustard Greens
- 1 cup (240 ml) mustard greens, blanched
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Kabocha squash wedges and sauté for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown, caramelized, and cooked through. If needed, add a splash of water to steam and soften the squash. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whisk together the golden miso, Chimayo chili powder, ginger, garlic, roasted sesame seeds, and rice wine vinegar to make the miso vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, and wheat berries. Toss with the miso vinaigrette, then sprinkle with the chili flakes and toss again.
- Blanch the walnuts in boiling water, drain, and repeat. Sauté the red onion in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over low heat until caramelized.
- In a food processor, combine the walnuts, sautéed onion, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; process until it forms a coarse relish. Top the salad with the walnut relish.
- Blanch the mustard greens in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and toss with the miso vinaigrette.
- Serve the pan-fried Kabocha squash alongside the hearty salad and dressed mustard greens.
Notes
- Kabocha squash has a nutty flavor and dense texture, making it ideal for vegetarian dishes.
- The peel is edible and adds extra nutrients.
- Toasted Kabocha seeds add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- The miso vinaigrette enhances the mustard greens with a savory depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg