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Squash With Yogurt Sauce and Frizzled Onions

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Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Kat Boystova

Cookbook author Meera Sodha’s Goan Butternut Squash Cafreal recipe, from Fresh India, inspired this vegetarian main. Our favorite part? Crispy-sweet red onions that roast alongside the squash for a finishing dose of flavor and texture.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
10 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt
1 acorn squash, halved, seeded, cut into 1" wedges
1 delicata squash, cut into 1" rings, seeded
1 Tbsp. honey
¾ tsp. Aleppo-style pepper
1½ cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
½ bunch dill, coarsely chopped, plus more for serving
½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted, smashed, plus 1 Tbsp. olive brine
3 cups cooked brown rice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place racks in lower and upper thirds of oven; preheat to 375°. Toss onions, 3 Tbsp. oil, and a large pinch of salt on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake on lower rack, tossing every 5 minutes, until onions are browned and frizzled, 30–40 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, toss both squashes, honey, Aleppo-style pepper, and 2 Tbsp. oil on another large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt. Arrange in an even layer and bake on upper rack until tender, 25–30 minutes.

    Step 3

    When onions are ready, remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 450°. Continue to bake squash until browned, about 10 minutes longer.

    Step 4

    Meanwhile, combine yogurt, garlic, ½ bunch dill, olive brine, half of the frizzled onions, and remaining 5 Tbsp. oil in a blender and purée until smooth. Add olives and pulse until finely chopped. Season to taste with salt.

    Step 5

    Divide rice among bowls. Pour ½ cup sauce over each. Arrange roasted squash over rice. Top with remaining frizzled onions and garnish with dill.

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