ROASTED MAPLE DELICATA ON QUINOA PILAF

Roasted Maple Delicata on Quinoa Pilaf image

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

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For the quinoa pilaf:
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
For the squash:
2 pounds delicata squash
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon real maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sea salt and pepper
1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
1 teaspoons ancho chili powder
1/4 teaspoons sea salt
Fresh thyme, for garnish

Steps:

In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 1/4 cups water. Bring it to a boil, then down to a gentle simmer, and cover and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and leave the lid ajar for it to fluff.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the quinoa cooks, start the squash. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1" half moons and spread them on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle on the olive oil, maple, paprika and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast in the upper third of the oven for 20 minutes until tender and browned on the edges.
Turn the oven down to 350°F. Toss the pumpkin seeds with the grapeseed oil, chili powder and sea salt. Spread them on a clean baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes stirring once while baking. Remove to cool.
Into the quinoa, stir in the parsley, shallot, lemon juice, olive oil and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Stir to mix and adjust seasoning to taste.
Onto your serving dish, spread the quinoa and top with the roasted squash. Garnish with the spicy nuts, remaining parsley and fresh thyme.