Butternut Squash Rounds with Hazelnut-Apple Gremolata
Rounds of roasted squash are topped with a mixture of hazelnuts, green apple, lemon, garlic and parsley. Think of it as an all-vegetable, gluten-free bruschetta.
Servings4
AuthorTurnip the Oven
Ingredients
For the butternut squash
1large or two small butternut squash
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the gremolata
1cuphazelnutstoasted and cooled
1/4cuppacked fresh parsley
1clovegarlicchopped
1small Granny Smith apple1 cup, peeled and finely diced
Zest of 1 lemon plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
1/4teaspoonkosher salt
1/8teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the squash in half crosswise, separating the neck from the bulb. Reserve the bulb for another use. Peel the neck and cut it crosswise into 3/4-inch thick slices. You should have at least 8 rounds. Toss with the olive oil and a big pinch of salt and pepper and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway though, until the center of each round is tender when pierced with a knife. (At this point, if you want to give the squash nice charred edges, run it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.)
While the squash roasts, make the gremolata. Combine the hazelnuts, parsley, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the apple, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
To serve, arrange the squash on a serving platter and top each round with a big spoonful of the gremolata.