Yesterday after a cloudy start , it was warm and lovely here in the South West , I walked home from work full of the joys of the proverbial Spring , but with the certain knowledge I need to up my game in the lunch stakes .
The reason ? Well for a long time I did not mention this blog to colleagues , however taking time off to go up to London word has got around and I have found my lunches are becoming subject to a certain level of scrutiny. Working from home for so long and with a fair bit of travelling for work , my few days in the office had become a bit dependant on baked potatoes and hummus from the cafe. I suppose everyone needs a little motivation once in while so determined to hold my head high in the lunch room today. with the weather warming up a colourful salad seemed suitable
There have been two squash sitting on my worktop for a few weeks now but I have not really been able to give them proper attention , although did manage to identify them as Gold Nugget
Was inspired to get back to the squash by the Great Big Veg Challenge , if you haven’t discovered this blog the premise one inspiring and creative mother is tackling her sons veg-phobia by working through the A-Z of vegetables , with fantastic recipes and stunning pictures … they are up to S for Squash
I love squash in salads stickiness soft sweetness and a colour that can’t be beaten . Looking a little non-descript from the outside this squash the flesh inside is a vibrant orange going even darker once roasted ,
Roasted Squash , Orzo , Rocket and Goats Cheese
Squash ( any orange-fleshed Butternut, Golden Nugget ,Pumpkin)
Orzo
Rocket or Spinach
Goats Cheese
Squeeze of Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper
- Thickly slice the squash removing the seeds.
- Placed on a roasting tray ( you can drizzle over a little oil if you wish I don’t think it needs it)
- Baked for 30 minutes at 200degC turning halfway through
- Remove the skin , it is a little thick and chewy in salad , but delicious eaten dipped in a little dressing or butter
- Mixing the roughly chopped squash with cooked orzo , goats cheese and rocket
- Dress with a squeeze of lemon salt and pepper
Lunch is served , critics await and I have made enough for tasters.
if you liked this recipe you might like more of my recipes
Butternut Squash and Leek Quiche
Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash White Beans and Black Kale Soup
Warm Lentil , Butternut Squash , Goats Cheese and Pancetta Salad
Rustic Wild Mushroom , Caramalised Onion Butternut Squash and Goats Cheese Tart