Autumn Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash

• Produce

  • 3 sprigs Basil
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 Beets, large red
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
  • 1 Butternut squash, medium
  • 1 Orange, zest from
  • 2 strips Orange peel

• Condiments

  • 2 tsp Lemon juice

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1 1/2 cup Black rice

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 2 tsp Sea salt + more

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 4 tbsp Blood orange olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil

• Dairy

  • 2 1/2 oz Honey goat cheese

• Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cup Water

• Other

  • edible flowers for garnish (optional

Found on ciaoflorentina.com

Description

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400”F with a large cast iron skillet on the bottom rack.
• Rinse and scrub the beets well and wrap them loosely in aluminum foil, making sure to leave a little opening for the steam to escape. Place them in the preheated oven for 45 mins to 1 hour until softened.
• When cool enough to handle peel the skin off of the beets and cut them into small squares. Set aside until ready to use.
• Peel the butternut squash and discard the seeds. Cut in into 1 inch cubes and transfer it to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with a lug of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on the baking sheets preferably without touching each other. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes until soft and starts to caramelize around the edges.
• Meanwhile rinse and dry the brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Half them lengthwise and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with a lug of olive oil and a good pinch of sea salt. Toss to coat and carefully transfer them to the preheated cast iron skillet you have in the oven. Do your best to have them cut side down for a nice golden brown sear. After about 15 minutes in the oven give them a gentle toss so they brown all over. Cook another 10 minutes or so until done to your liking.
• Meanwhile make the rice: combine the black rice, water, orange peel, sea salt and bay leaf in a pot. Bring to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 30 minutes until all water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and allow it to sit covered for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked rice to a mixing bowl and discard the bay and orange peel. Drizzle with a lug of the blood orange olive oil and fluff with a fork.
• Transfer the rice to a serving tray and top with the roasted butternut squash cubes, roasted red beets and brussels sprouts.
• In a small jar combine 3 tbsp of blood orange olive oil and the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. Shake to combine, taste and adjust seasonings until you are happy.
• Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette all over the top of the butternut squash, beets and Brussels sprouts autumn salad. Garnish with the fresh basil and edible flowers and serve warm with creamy goat cheese on top.