B R A I S E D
a t a c i l e D d a l a S ABIGAIL THERRIEN & DAVE VANDERL A AN, Littlebird, Grand Rapids
DELICATA SQUASH SALAD
BRAISING RECIPE
8 pieces delicata squash, braised (see recipe at right)
2 delicata squash, ends cut off, quartered lengthwise, and seeds removed
3 Evercrisp or Gala apples, cut into matchsticks
1½ quarts water
2 oz SarVecchio or Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup fennel, shaved
1/4 cup salt
1/8 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 head of fennel tops, chopped
1/8 tsp fresh tarragon, chopped
1 lemon, halved and juiced
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 bunch thyme
1 tsp chives, chopped
1 bunch sage
1/4 cup dates, chopped
3 inch piece of ginger, peel and sliced
1/4 cup fennel fronds for garnish Nduja vinaigrette (see recipe at right) Braise delicata squash and and make vinaigrette before building salad. Mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss with nduja vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Place braised delicata squash down on a plate or bowl and top with apple salad mixture. Garnish with fennel fronds and extra vinaigrette, if you like.
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp whole fenugreek 1/2 tsp whole allspice 3/4 tsp whole fennel seed 2 star anise pods 1 cardamom pod 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground coriander
3 Tbsp nduja 2 1/14 tsp roasted garlic
2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp lemon juice 1/2 cup neutral oil Salt, pepper, and sugar, to taste
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Once spices are toasted, add all liquid ingredients, additional spices, herbs, fennel tops, ginger, and bring to a boil. While waiting for everything to boil, lay out the delicata in a deep oven-safe braising pan. When liquid comes to a boil, pour over top of squash, cover pan with foil and put in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Squash will be done when it's soft to the touch, but not falling apart. Remove squash from braising liquid and cool. Reduce braising liquid by two thirds, cool, and use to make vinaigrette. Squash can be reheated in the oven at 350° F for 10 minutes.
NDUJA VINAIGRETTE
3 Tbsp delicata braising liquid
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Toast all whole spices on medium heat until fragrant in a medium saucepan, stirring frequently.
1/4 tsp ground clove
1½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Place all ingredients except oil into a food processor or blender. While the food processor is on, slowly add oil to emulsify for a smooth texture. When all oil is incorporated, season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
