Squash with Chilli Yoghurt & Coriander Sauce

This squash really is melt in the mouth, with the caramelised sweetness of a pampered butternut. The yoghurt and herb give it a serious punch of flavour and some heat, whilst I really like that the recipe advises to keep the skin on the squash, helps them to not fall apart in the roasting.

Serving Suggestion: alongside roast chicken and a courgette side dish or red onions with walnut salsa.

Difficulty Level: 2

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Ingredients:

Serves 4.

• 1 small coquina or 1 large butternut squash (1.4kg gross weight)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 90ml olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• 50g coriander, leaves and stalks, plus extra leaves for garnish

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

• 20g pumpkin seeds

• 200g Greek yoghurt

• 1½ tsp sriracha (or other chilli sauce)

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Method:

1. Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Cut the squash in half lengthways, remove and discard the seeds, then cut it – skin and all – into 7cm-long and 2cm-thick wedges. Put these in a large bowl with the cinnamon, two tablespoons of olive oil, three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, and rub evenly into the squash. Lay the squash skin side down on two oven trays and roast for 25-30 minutes, until soft and starting to colour. Remove and leave to cool.

2. Meanwhile, put the coriander, garlic, remaining oil and a generous pinch of salt in a small food processor and blitz to a fine paste.

3. Lower the oven temperature to 160C/320F/gas mark 2½. Lay the pumpkin seeds on an oven tray and roast for six to eight minutes. The skins will pop open and they'll go light and crisp. Remove and set aside.

4. To serve, mix the yoghurt and chilli sauce. Lay the squash wedges on a platter, drizzle over the yoghurt sauce and then the herb paste (you can also swirl them together). Scatter the seeds on top, followed by a few coriander leaves, and serve.

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