![Scuttlebutt](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/06/17/multimedia/sb-scuttlebutt-wvtg/sb-scuttlebutt-wvtg-mediumThreeByTwo440.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&auto=webp)
Scuttlebutt
Sara Bonisteel, Caroline Fidanza, Rebecca Collerton
243 ratings with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
243
2 hours (plus 1 day, if making pickled beets)
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Roast the squash: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scrub the squash, then remove the stem and cut in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard. Cut the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick slices and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle over the 3 tablespoons of melted ghee, then sprinkle over 1 ½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon turmeric. Use your hands to evenly coat the squash with the seasonings, and arrange in roughly a single layer. Roast until browned and tender, rotating the pan once during cooking, 30 to 35 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the gravy: In a small bowl combine the cumin, coriander, chile and remaining ½ teaspoon turmeric and have it handy.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons ghee over medium-high for 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until frizzled and browned, with some blackened bits, about 15 minutes. (You will develop lots of dark brown bits on the bottom of the skillet, this is just what you want.)
Add the spices in the bowl and the ginger, and cook until fragrant and sticking to the bottom of the skillet, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add vinegar and 1 cup water. Scrape up all browned bits with a stiff wooden spoon and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season generously with salt, to taste. (If the mixture tastes too acidic or spicy, you likely need more salt.)
Arrange the squash on a platter, top with gravy, garnish with cilantro, and serve right away with steamed rice (or roti) and salted yogurt.
Most squash can be roasted without peeling. I don't peel kabocha or honeynut unless the kabocha is kind of warty.
I’m not much of a winter squash fan. That said, this recipe was phenomenal! The sweet/sour/spicy blend of the gravy over the squash with the salty yogurt as a dash of creamy flavor made this a huge hit. I did cut the cayenne to 1/2 tsp, and the heat was perfect for us. I anticipate making this often as winter rolls on. Next time, I may double the gravy recipe. The amount was adequate, but having extra to soak into the rice would be a definite plus.
No peeling needed and I always roast my butternut or delicata squashes with the seeds. The seeds are delicious, crunchy, and super good for you. I don't even scrape them out. I just cut up the squash, keep the seeds attached to the flesh, roast it all, then add them with the squash pieces to whatever I'm doing with the squash. Yum!! I'm so excited to try this awesome recipe. Thank you!!
Sohla recipe dropping is like an album release for my tastebuds. This is probably one of the best things I've ever made this year
No Miriam, the squash doesn't need to be peeled. The skin is edible. However if you feel it necessary, peel away.
This, as I modified it, was phenomenal. The balance of sweet and salty was notable. Made it with (unpeeled) Japanese sweet potatoes on hand that I sliced and roasted. Doubled the onion gravy components and served with rice and salted yogurt. Will keep this recipe in the box.
I highly recommend not using a nonstick pan so you get the browned bits the recipe refers to. Also, be sure to cook the spices at least the one minute called for otherwise they may end up tasting somewhat “raw”. Delicious and different.
I was looking for something new to do with all my adorable honeynut squash and was intrigued by the great reviews for this recipe. It came together so easily and while I thought the onion gravy tasted just ok out of the pan, the combination of rice, squash, sauce, yogurt and cilantro all together was insanely delicious. I did add a little finely chopped cucumber to the salted yogurt for texture which I thought was a nice addition. I will be making this recipe over and over.
An internet search of different oil smoke points says ghee's is above 450 (which I presume our professional recipe developer Sohla took into account during testing and before publishing). My understanding is that because clarifying the butter removes protein and other compounds you're left with purer fat and there's not much left to "smoke." Unless you avoid dairy for ethical reasons, ghee has its own flavor worth trying out here.
Definitely double the gravy!!! Also cut the squash into bite-sized cubes.
These flavors are complex and warming, especially on chilly winter evenings. I made this recipe with delicata squash. The squash, onion gravy, and cilantro paired wonderfully together. That said, this recipe had too much cumin for my taste (and I love cumin!) and was on the spicy side even with only 1/2 tsp of cayenne. I'll use less of both in the future. I served it with sour cream because it's what I had on hand.
So is salted yogurt just that? Or is there a recipe? Thanks!
I made this last night but added Brussel sprouts to the squash, to add a green vegetable. I also doubled the onion gravy to use tonight with chicken. I used olive oil. Delicious.
I would increase the onions - ratio was too low for me
Absolutely delicious! Glad I doubled the gravy part per the recommendations of others. I have no regrets. This was easy to make and a new favorite comfort food. Took a bit longer then I expected but still easy and worth the wait.
The squash was nice, however, the sauce was dreadful.
One of the best NYT recipes I've cooked to date, hands down. Made exactly as written, served over basmati rice and salted yogurt. There were no leftovers.
This was soooo delicious. Doubled the gravy as others have suggested and added chick peas. I did not double the cayenne and did 1 1/2 times the cumin and cider vinegar just because they are such strong flavors. Used two teaspoons of sea salt in the doubled gravy. I was afraid it would be too salty, but once everything is combined it's perfect. Served over rice with plain greek yogurt on the side. Super satisfying vegetarian dish.
I roasted two chicken breasts on top of the squash. Fat cooked into it and added to the gravy. Yum!
Anyone else finding the gravy rather grainy? Any ideas on how to smooth it out? Great recipe otherwise.
I was skeptical about this one but now I’m convinced. Absolutely wonderful. I added in a bit of fancy hot curry powder and a couple drops of liquid smoke. I served it with homemade pita. I added garlic, lemon & diced cuke to the salted yogurt.
A suggestion when prepping the sliced squash— put the slices directly into a large bowl after slicing, and toss with ghee/turmeric/salt before putting onto the baking sheet. We served this as bowls with basmati rice and yogurt— the hubs declared it a must-add to our winter dinners rotation!
We used butternut as kabocha wasn't available. Turned out great and the yogurt really adds the final touch The spicy gray was fantastic and we decided to cut the onion in half rings. Will probably double the gravy next time out.
Used 1 butternut and 1 koginut squash. Left skin on both. Doubled the gravy. Used olive oil for the ghee. Served with rice. Very good, especially with the yogurt! And quick to make.
This recipe was a hit. Added some chipotle powder for some smoke, but otherwise no changes. Loved the salted yogurt— a new staple in our house.
Squash is easier and less dangerous to peel after 5 minutes in the microwave.
Can a vegetable oil be substituted for ghee? I am lactose intolerant.
So is salted yogurt just that? Or is there a recipe? Thanks!
Made with butternut squash for Thanksgiving. Best squash dish my family-in-law has ever tasted, and that’s saying something: they aren’t “vegetable” people. Also: Absolutely eat the skin. Full of flavor and a nice flaky, chewy counterpoint to the mushy, heavenly crisp squash innards.
very tasty! thought the gravy needed a little bit of sweetness so added about 3/4 teaspoon of maple syrup and it was very nice.
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