Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Butternut Squash, Kale, and Crunchy Pepitas Taco

We are trying to eat more dairy-free! This was a qualified success in that 3 of us did enjoy this. The other one immediately asked us to remove the leaves, but after some prodding did eat one full taco (with leaves) before asking for something else. For a picky kid, that's pretty good. 

The porportions of the cashew crema are really off though, I am trying to fix it with this update. 

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Butternut Squash, Kale, and Crunchy Pepitas Taco 

from epicurious

Ingredients

  1. Cashew Crema:
    • 2/3 cup raw cashews
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (I just used cumin)
    • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  2. Pumpkin Seeds:
    • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
    • 1/3 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I left this out for the kids)
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  3. Filling:
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 3 cups 1/2-inch-diced butternut squash (1 very small squash)
    • 1 teaspoon chile powder (I left this out for the kids)
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 4 cups finely chopped kale (1 bunch)
    • Corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
    • Chopped white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and salsa of choice, for serving (optional)

    Preparation

  1. To make the crema, soak the raw cashews in room-temperature water to cover for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve.
  2. In a blender, combine the cashews, cumin, lime juice, water, and salt. Start the blender on the lowest speed and gradually increase to the highest speed. Blend for at least 1 minute, until a creamy consistency. Taste for seasonings and add more salt if desired. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
  3. To make the pumpkin seeds, heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pumpkin seeds and sauté for about 2 minutes, taking care that they do not burn. The seeds will begin to puff up and pop. Once they appear toasted, immediately pour them into a bowl. Toss with the cayenne (if using) and salt and set aside.
  4. To make the filling, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute more. Add the squash and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, just until the squash begins to soften. Season with the chile powder (if using) and salt.
  5. Add the kale and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, until it begins to wilt. Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
  6. Serve with the tortillas, crema, pumpkin seeds, onion, cilantro, and salsa. To assemble each taco, invite guests to spoon about 1/2 cup of the warm filling into a tortilla and top with some crema and pumpkin seeds. If guests want more toppings, they can finish off their tacos with onion, cilantro, and salsa.

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