Entry #2357, April 29, 2013

In the mood for a sweet and salty mix, yet healthy dinner meal?  Well try this miso and sesame winter squash recipe.  With the variety of fresh vegetables, sweet spices and salty seasonings this dish forces your tongue and body to be highly satisfied.  It is simple to make and even better to enjoy.

Asian-Inspired Miso Sesame Winter Squash Recipe

Skillet of Miso Sesame Winter Squash

Image via: 101 Cookbooks

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 1 hr. 10 min.

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

2 pounds of Delicate Squash
2 tablespoons of Toasted Sesame Oil
2 tablespoons of Molasses
1 teaspoon of Tamari or Shoyu
2 tablespoons of Pure Maple Syrup
1 heaping tablespoon of White or Yellow Miso
¼ cup of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
¼ teaspoon of Grated Lemon Zest
5 tablespoons of Water
8 ounces of Organic Extra-firm Tofu, pressed, cut into ½-inch cubes
Various Toppings: Toasted Sesame Seeds, Chopped Arugula, Basil, Basil Flower, Lemon Wedges

Miso Sesame Winter Squash

Image via: 101 Cookbooks

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  With a rack in the middle.
2. Slice the squash in halves- ½ inch thick and cut out the seeds. Using a large bowl, toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil.  After oiling the squash, spread them across on a parchment-lined or well-greased baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 40 minutes, turning over with a fork after 20 minutes or until it is golden on both sides.
3. Take out a medium sized bowl, and whisk together the molasses, tamari, maple syrup, miso, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, water and the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Finally add the tofu and toss it around until it is fully coated then set aside.
4. Take the squash and put them into a 2-quart baking dish.  Pour the tofu mixture over the squash and gently toss the mixture about so everything gets covered.  Then put the entire dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until a great amount of the marinade boils off.
5. Take the dish out of the oven, season with salt to taste then finish it off by mixing in the toasted sesame seeds, chopped arugula, and /or herbs and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side (to squeeze on top).

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