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Butternut Squash with Pumpkin-Seed Pesto

This zinger of a pesto sauce breathes new life into a nutritious winter staple, and works well with acorn and kabocha squash, too.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled and cubed (1/2 inch; about 6 cups)
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup green (hulled) pumpkin seeds (pepitas; not toasted)
1/2 cup (packed) cilantro sprigs
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 500°F with the rack in the middle.

    Step 2

    Toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then arrange in a single layer in a 17 by 12-inch baking pan and roast, turning occasionally, until golden brown on edges, 20 to 25 minutes.

    Step 3

    Toast the pumpkin seeds in 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the seeds are puffed and beginning to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a large plate and cool.

    Step 4

    Pulse the cooled seeds in a food processor with the cilantro, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and the pepper and 1 remaining tablespoon oil to a coarse paste. Toss the squash with the pesto and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

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