Sweet + Savory Squash with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Walnuts and Cumin Seeds

It’s sweet, savory, spiced, fragrant—all in one. I love the idea of pairing savory vegetables or grains with a dried or fresh fruit. Raisins are my usual choice for adding a little extra sweetness to a dish. I throw them in grains, salads, veggie tray bakes, and even in my pesto! In this dish, I added not only raisins but also some thinly sliced apple to balance the richness of the butternut and summer squash. The apple and raisins are sauteed with toasted cumin seeds and other fragrant spices until perfectly soft and delicate. The toasted walnuts bring that extra crunch and texture to the dish that pairs so nicely with the silkiness of the squash and apple. This is a wonderful side dish, or a perfect addition to a salad or grain! I ate mine with some butterhead lettuce and some brown lentils. Next time I would love to try pairing it with a chewy grain like farro or some wild rice!

Sweet + Savory Squash with Apple, Raisins, Toasted Walnuts and Cumin Seeds

(serves 1-2)

Ingredients:

1 cup cubed butternut squash

1/2 summer squash, thinly sliced into semi-circles

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 apple, thinly sliced

1-2 cloves of garlic

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

2-3 tsp agave

1/4 cup raisins

1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cardamom

1/4 tsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet on medium-low heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil along with your garlic and cumin seeds. Saute until fragrant, (around 3 minutes), then add in your butternut squash and cook until soft and browned on most sides. Add in your thinly sliced apple and summer squash, and the rest of your spices. Toss and allow it so saute until the squash and apple are soft and covered in the spices.

Next, add in the raisins, apple cider vinegar and agave. Stir and allow everything to marinate and soften on a medium-low heat while you are toasting your walnuts.

To toast your walnuts, add them to a seprate pan over medium heat. Toss them frequently to prevent them from burning. They should be fragrant and golden brown once they are ready (around 5-7 minutes).

Add your toasted walnuts to the pan with your apple and squash and stir. Add in more spices, salt, pepper, to your liking!

Serve with some warm grains, fresh greens or on its own!

*additional toppings/add-in that I think would be delish: dollop of plain yogurt, tahini, red pepper flakes