Autumn is finally upon us. Apart from the cold mornings the weather continues to be glorious. Walking my furry friend across the fields, the early morning mist creates an eerie atmosphere & evokes memories of smoky bonfires, leaves rustling underfoot and of course Halloween.
Here at TRUFFLEicious, we are preparing for the closure of Great Chalfield Manor for this year & concentrating on our winter activities. Writing my recipe book TRUFFLEicious, Nutritious, Nutrition is one of my projects for the winter months & continuing to retail my homemade Gluten free Cakes, Spelt & Rye Breads & of course, Chocolate Truffles (Full details on my website www.truffleicious.org) is another.
Right enough waffling back to Halloween with its Pumpkins & Gourds. This month’s recipe is vegetarian, for the carnivores amongst you, some spicy sausages or chicken, would make a great addition. You can also make double the amount & serve one half hot & save the rest to have as a salad for the next day.
Oriental Butternut Squash, Black Kale & Spelt with Sesame & Pomegranate Dressing
Serves 6. Low Fodmap. DF, V, Vegan. Oven heat 180c, 350f, Gas 4
INGREDIENTS:
2 Medium Butternut Squash, Halved, seeds removed & chopped into large cubes.
1 Large Bag of fresh Black Kale. Shredded.
2 Red Onions, Peeled & quarted.
2 Red Peppers. Deseeded & cut into chunks.
Seasoning
4 Tbspns. Rape Seed Oil.
Sesame Oil to taste.
For the dressing: Put all ingredients in a screw top jar. Shake to emulsify. Adjust to taste.
100ml. Cider Vinegar.
tspns Lemon Grass Paste
2 Crushed Cloves Garlic
2 tspns Clear Honey.
50ml. Low Salt. Vegan Soy Sauce
Ground Black Pepper
200ml. Rape Seed Oil.
150g Brown Spelt. Cooked to packet instructions.
METHOD:
Preheat the oven.
Place the oil in a large roasting tray. Add the Squash, onion, peppers, season well with salt & pepper.
Toss everything together to coat veg with the oil. Roast for 15 – 20 mins, until cooked but not mushy.
While the veg are roasting make the dressing & quickly stir fry the black kale in a large Wok.
Using a slotted spoon, place cooked veg in a large serving dish; add the drained spelt & kale.
Toss together, drizzle with Sesame Oil, to taste & serve either on its own with crusty bread or with grilled halloumi.
If you are having a Halloween or Bonfire party, this dish looks brilliant served in a pumpkin shell or individual halved, different coloured gourd shells.
Enjoy.
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