BUTTERNUT, KALE AND CASHEW SQUARES

Butternut, Kale and Cashew Squares image

Butternut squash and kale are two of my favorite fall vegetables. Combined with cashews and feta in a puff pastry, it makes me think this could be a fall version of spanakopita! This could be served for brunch or lunch, or as a dinner entree. You also can make the pieces smaller and serve it as an appetizer. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2-1/2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups chopped fresh kale
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon chopped cashews, divided
1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450°. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon. In same skillet, saute shallot until tender. Add squash, 3/4 teaspoon thyme and nutmeg; cook, covered, until squash is almost tender, about 5 minutes. Combine squash mixture with bacon. Add kale, feta cheese and 1/4 cup cashews; mix well., Unfold 1 sheet of puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet; roll out into a 10-in. square. Spoon squash mixture evenly over pastry sheet to within 3/4 in. of edges. Whisk egg and water; brush edges of pastry. Unfold remaining pastry sheet; roll out into a 10-in. square. Place on top of squash mixture. Press edges of pastries together with a fork to seal. Brush top with egg mixture., Cut slits in top. Bake until pastry is puffed and golden brown, 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning. Sprinkle with remaining cashews and thyme. Cool on a wire rack 5 minutes before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 24g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 394mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 9g protein.