Caramelized Delicata Squash
Glazed in brown sugar and white wine vinegar, this squash from The Glorious Vegetables of Italy is a wonderful balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
1 pound Delicata squash, trimmed, peeled, seeded and cut into half moon slices
½ cup olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced (optional)
Method:
1. Heat oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is softened and fragrant, but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Press down on cloves to release their flavor, then remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Arrange a layer of squash slices in the skillet and fry, turning once or twice, until lightly browned on both sides and just tender. Transfer to a platter and continue to fry squash in batches.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the vinegar. Carefully return all of the squash slices to the skillet. Sprinkle sugar-vinegar mixture over the squash and season with salt and pepper. Cook, gently moving pieces of squash around, for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until sauce is reduced to a thick syrup. Sprinkle mint over top if using.
4. Return squash to platter, cover loosely and let sit for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle. Serve at room temperature.
